About the Submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800)
Learn about the USS Arkansas (SSN 800). This page offers a deep dive into the story behind the ship: from key milestones and commissioning events to the people who make it possible. Explore the facts, the legacy, and the community shaping the future of the USS Arkansas.
Ship’s Crest
The crest of the USS Arkansas (SSN 800) tells the story of the state’s heritage, naval legacy, and deep-sea mission. At its center is the ship’s motto, “Travel Silent, Travel Deep,” blending Arkansas folklore and the spirit of submarine service. A charging Razorback bursts from the waves, honoring the state’s pride and nodding to USS Razorback (SS 394), while flanking the submarine are two historic namesakes—BB-33, a decorated WWII battleship, and CGN-41, a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser. Above them, four gold stars commemorate BB-33’s wartime honors, all set against the backdrop of the Ouachita Mountains and the iconic blue diamond from the Arkansas state flag.
The Warship
The USS Arkansas (SSN 800), the 27th Virginia-class fast attack submarine, blends cutting-edge naval technology with the legacy of five generations of ships bearing the Arkansas name. Built at Newport News Shipbuilding, she’s engineered for stealth, power, and multi-mission capability in both deep ocean and littoral environments. At 377 feet long and powered by a 33-year core-life nuclear reactor, she can deploy globally—silently and without refueling—delivering strength, strategy, and endurance beneath the sea.
Its Firepower & Flexibility
Armed for versatility and built for modern warfare, the USS Arkansas is a true multi-mission platform. She’s equipped with four 533mm torpedo tubes for MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes and two Virginia Payload Tubes capable of launching up to six Tomahawk cruise missiles each—giving her the ability to strike targets at sea or ashore with lethal precision.
General Characteristics
• Class & Type: Virginia-class fast attack submarine
• Displacement: 7,800 tons
• Length: 377 feet (115 meters)
• Beam (Width): 34 feet (10.4 meters)
• Draft: 32 feet (9.8 meters)
• Propulsion: S9G nuclear reactor with diesel engine
• Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
• Endurance: Up to 3 months submerged
• Test Depth: Greater than 800 feet (244 meters)
• Crew Complement: 15 officers, 120 enlisted sailors
Legacy in Motion: Building, Honoring, and Powering USS Arkansas
Keel to Commission: A Ship Takes Shape
Construction of USS Arkansas began on November 19, 2022, with a ceremonial keel laying where the initials of her sponsors—the women of the Little Rock Nine—were welded into her steel. In September 2023, she reached the critical “pressure hull complete” milestone, forming a watertight structure. The submarine was christened in December 2024, and is expected to join the fleet upon commissioning in 2026.
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The Little Rock Nine: Courage Carved in Steel
Six members of the Little Rock Nine, pioneers of school integration in 1957, serve as the ship’s sponsors—honored not only in name, but physically etched into the submarine’s structure. Their legacy of resilience and justice lives on in USS Arkansas, guiding her mission with strength and purpose.
Engineering Excellence, Tactical Edge
With quiet pump-jet propulsion, fly-by-wire controls, advanced sonar, and modular design, the Virginia-class USS Arkansas is built for stealth and agility. She can deliver SEALs, launch precision missiles, hunt threats, and operate undetected in contested waters—making her a decisive force beneath the waves.
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A Proud Name,
A Storied Past
USS Arkansas (SSN 800) is the fifth ship to carry the name. From a Civil War ironclad to a battleship that served in two world wars, and a nuclear-powered cruiser that sailed through the Cold War, each vessel reflected the times it served. SSN 800 now carries that legacy into the depths of the modern battlespace.
The Crew: Heart of the Arkansas
Led by Commanding Officer Michael Huber, the crew of the USS Arkansas is composed of 132 dedicated sailors who bring the submarine to life. Representing the future of the United States Navy, they are expertly trained, relentlessly focused, and united by purpose. Together, they will shape the identity of this vessel and carry forward its proud legacy with honor, precision, and resolve.
