HII Launches Virginia-Class Submarine Arkansas at Newport News

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has successfully launched the Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) into the James River at its Newport News Shipbuilding division, marking a significant milestone in U.S. naval capabilities. Arkansas is the 27th Virginia-class submarine overall and the 13th delivered by Newport News, designed with enhanced stealth, maneuverability, and firepower. The launch highlights HII's commitment to increasing submarine construction cadence and throughput to support the U.S. Navy's national security. The submarine's sponsors are the six women of the Little Rock Nine, a historic group of African American students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, symbolizing the vessel's cultural and historical significance. The submarine is now undergoing final outfitting, testing, and crew certification at the shipyard. This achievement reinforces HII's leadership in naval shipbuilding and its strategic role in advancing naval defense technology.