(From the Desk of Senator James E. Risch, April 25, 2026)
Today [Saturday, April 25], I have the honor of attending the commissioning of the USS Idaho SSN 799, the fifth Navy vessel to bear the name of the Gem State.
Little do most know that Idaho is the birthplace of the nuclear Navy.
Since 1951, our state has been at the epicenter of every class of nuclear-powered submarines and continues to host two of the Navy’s premier installations: the Naval Reactors Facility and the Acoustic Research Detachment.
The new USS Idaho will also carry another important piece of Idaho with her.
Its Engine Room – the heart of the ship – is named after my dear friend and former Governor of Idaho, Dirk Kempthorne, whose leadership was integral to commissioning this vessel.
I have full confidence that the USS Idaho and its submariners will continue this proud legacy as it takes its place as the Navy’s “Gem of the Fleet.”
Congratulations to our U.S. Navy on the successful commissioning of the USS Idaho.
Esto Perpetua – Let it be forever!
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