Fast Attack Submarine Reaches Pressure Hull Complete Stage

Virginia-class fast attack submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) is now pressure hull complete at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

The construction milestone signifies that all of the submarine’s hull sections have been joined to form a single, watertight unit.

NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

This milestone comes following the christening of Massachusetts (SSN 798) and keel authentication of Oklahoma (SSN 802) at NNS so far in 2023.

“It’s exciting to reach pressure hull complete, because it’s a visible sign that construction has progressed to the point where Arkansas really starts to take its final shape,” said Jason Ward, NNS Vice President of Virginia-class submarine construction. “We absolutely understand the important mission ahead for Arkansas and are working with urgency to get this powerful national security asset to the Navy as soon as possible.”