USS Montana (SSN 794) officially joined the U.S. Navy’s fleet during a commissioning ceremony Saturday, June 25, at Naval Station Norfolk.

Montana is the 10th Virginia-class submarine delivered by Newport News Shipbuilding and the 21st built as part of the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat.

During the commissioning ceremony, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, the ship’s sponsor, gave the crew the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” after which Montana’s sailors ceremonially ran aboard the submarine.

“With awe I have witnessed the USS Montana come to life through hardworking shipbuilders, capable submariners and supportive families – all operating through a global pandemic – to ready her for service to our nation and allies,” Jewell said. “I’m proud of the impact the USS Montana will have in furthering freedom around the world and confident she will live up to the spirit of adventure and resilience of her namesake state.”

NNS President Jennifer Boykin also spoke during the ceremony, representing the thousands of NNS shipbuilders who participated in the submarine’s construction.

“Today is a testament to the dedication, expertise and commitment by our shipbuilding and Navy team. The submarine before you represents the best our nation has to offer: American manufacturing at its finest. American ingenuity in all its splendor. And American protection like none other,” she said.

NNS delivered SSN 794 – the second Navy vessel named for the state of Montana – to the Navy in March.