
KALISPELL, MONT. — A Virginia Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine is in the final stages of its sea trials.
The state of Montana has not had a warship named after it since an armored cruiser that was commissioned in 1908 and decommissioned in 1921.
Sea trials test every aspect of the submarine and it's capabilities.
Sea trials test propulsion, weapon systems and make sure that it can dive safely to great depths.
The trials also make sure the crew can operate the sub with its new technology and most importantly that it doesn't leak.
The concept design received approval from the U.S. Navy back in 2015.
"It's been under construction over the last several years in remarkable ways, from putting big pieces, manufactured in Connecticut and in Virginia, together in Virginia. And then doing the refinement work, really is a step above, it has capabilities that other submarines and other nations don't have," said Bill Whitsitt, Chairman of the USS Montana Committee.
The $2.7 billion submarine has an average sea life of around 30 years and will be able to hold a crew of over 130 sailors.
Once testing is complete the USS Montana will make its way back to the Norfolk Naval Base where it will undergo further updates and refinements while it waits for final approval from the U.S. Navy.
"It's been a remarkable journey for all of us who have been involved with the USS Montana. She has been an amazing piece of equipment that's come together. So, I'm quite confident that the Navy is going to accept her in the near future," said Whitsitt.
According to Whitsitt, the USS Montana Committee has no doubt in their minds the Navy will approve the submarine.
If approved the committee will outfit the interior of the submarine to represent the state of Montana.
The committee hopes to see the future USS Montana in commission by June 25, where its home port is currently slated for Hawaii, according to Whitsitt.