HISTORY

The USS Hawaii (SSN 776) is the first commissioned vessel of its name. The submarine was named to recognize the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people and state of Hawaii, and in honor of the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific.

Designed by Electric Boat, the Virginia-class is being built jointly under a teaming arrangement between Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Newport News in Virginia.

In 1998, the U.S. Navy awarded a $4.2 billion contract for the construction of the first four ships of the class. Hawaii is the third of these. Displacing approximately 7,800 tons with a length of 370 feet, the Virginia-class is longer but lighter than the previous Seawolf-class of submarines.

The 132-member crew can launch Tomahawk land-attack missiles from 12 vertical launch system tubes and Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes from four 21-inch torpedo tubes.

Hawaii will be able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea forces. Other missions Hawaii will conduct include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, special forces delivery and support, and mine delivery and minefield mapping. With enhanced communications connectivity, Hawaii also will provide important battle group and joint task force support, with full integration into carrier battle group operations.

The Virginia-class of attack submarines surpasses the performance of any current projected threat submarine, ensuring U.S. undersea dominance well into the next century.

STATISTICS

Length: 377 feet
Beam: 34 feet 
Displacement: 7,800 tons 
Speed: Greater than 25 knots 
Depth: Greater than 800 feet 
Keel Laid: Aug. 27, 2004 
Launched: June 17, 2006 
Commissioned: May 5, 2007 
Complement: 134 officers and enlisted crew

COMMANDING OFFICER - Cmdr. William Patterson | Biography


NEWS AND RELEASES:
News Documentary: USS HAWAII - The New Pacific Power
USS Hawaii (SSN 776) Arrival Ceremony
USS Hawaii departs Groton, enroute to its new homeport of Pearl Harbor
USS Hawaii (SSN 776) wins award for its role in war on drugs
USS Hawaii to be homeported at Pearl Harbor
Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific opens two new trainers
USS Texas to be home ported at Pearl Harbor

BLOGGER: USS Hawaii Blog