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Fast Attack Submarine Reaches Pressure Hull Complete Stage

Arkansas, the US Navy's 27th Virginia-class fast attack submarine, is now pressure hull complete, meaning the submarine's hull sections have been joined to form a single, watertight unit By Joseph Macey / 04 Oct 2023

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Virginia-Class Fast Attack Submarine Pressure Hull Complete
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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.”

Posted by Joseph Macey Joseph Macey is a Content Specialist at Defense Advancement, where he has focused on emerging defense technologies since joining in 2022. His expertise spans tactical UAS, rugged computing, and Satellite Communication Systems. After graduating in Journalism from Falmouth University, Joseph began his career in 2019 as a local reporter. His journalism background enhances both his reporting and interview skills, enabling him to provide insightful, authoritative analysis of the latest trends shaping the defense industry. Connect
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