The U.S. Navy’s newest nuclear submarine will bear Illinois’ name.

Construction of the USS Illinois is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The $2.7 billion Virginia-class nuclear submarine will be the first new ship with that name since 1897. Its captain will be Commander Jess Porter.

“The USS Illinois will be the 13th Virginia-class submarine, and it’s a capability that’s absolutely unmatched,” Porter said. “We go to sea with missions of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.”

It can also be used as an attack sub if necessary. The sub will be 377 feet long, able to dive deeper than 800 feet, and move at a top speed of more than 25 knots when submerged. It’s expected to be in use for more than 30 years.

Porter says once completed, the sub will be stationed out of Hawaii.

 

 

 

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