Naval, civic, and elected officials will speak at the pier-side ceremony, which is open to the public with ticketed admission. Visit www.SSN797.com for details.
The USS IOWA Commissioning Committee, a national group of supporters, has raised funds for crew enhancements, such as habitability upgrades and recreational equipment. Christie Vilsack, the ship’s sponsor and former Iowa First Lady, will attend.
This event marks the fifth and final milestone in the submarine’s journey to active duty, including its naming in 2015 and christening in 2019. The ship’s captain will formally activate the vessel during the ceremony with the command to “Man the ship and bring her to life.”
Tours of the USS IOWA will follow the ceremony, and watch parties will be hosted statewide. This will be the fourth U.S. Navy ship named for Iowa, following the iconic battleship USS IOWA (BB-61), now a museum in Los Angeles.
