GROTON, Conn. — The USS Vermont (SSN 792) is presently under construction at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, the 19th of the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine, and is the third U.S. warship named to carry the name “Vermont.” USS VERMONT was named by Secretary of Navy Ray Mabus in September 2014 in a ceremony at the Lake Champlain Navy Memorial in Burlington, Vermont. and construction started that year.
With the USS Vermont ( SSN 792) will be the third nuclear submarine with a Vermont namesake, following USS Ethan Allen (SSBN 608), and USS Montepelier (SSN 765). The submarine USS Ethan Allen conducted strategic deterrent patrols during the Cold War; USS Montpelier is a Los Angeles-class submarine, in service since 1993.
The Vermont will be capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and torpedoes and will have a crew of 15 officers and 120 enlisted personnel. The Vermont Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) is commanded by CDR Henry M. Roenke IV, USN.
Ms. Gloria Valdez, former Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Ships) is the USS Vermont sponsor. She will christen the submarine on Oct. 20 at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. It is expected that Gov. Phil Scott and other Vermonters, including submarine veterans from across Vermont will attend the christening ceremony.
A Vermont Commissioning Committee has been formed to support this event and the crew of USS Vermont (SSN 792). Debra Martin of Middlesex, Vermont is the chair of this statewide group. A key objective of the Commissioning Committee is to raise awareness within the state for the namesake submarine, and promote support for the crew and ship. Community support is most welcome and encouraged.
The USS Vermont (SSN 792) is expected to complete construction, sea trials and be commissioned in 2019.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.