USS Norfolk (SSGN-815) will be a nuclear-powered of the United States Navy, the second Block VI attack submarine and 42nd overall of her class. She will be the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name Norfolk, the name previously belonged to a Los Angeles-class submarine.
Uniquely, Norfolk was not ordered prior to her naming due to a dispute between the Navy and builder Huntington Ingalls Industries over the potential cost.
Anne Holton, wife of prominent Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, was named as the ship's sponsor.
Design Like their Block V predecessors, Block VI submarines will incorporate previously introduced modifications to the base design in addition to a Virginia Payload Module (VPM). The VPM inserts a segment into the boat's hull which adds four vertical launch tubes. Each tube allows for the carrying of seven Tomahawk strike missiles, increasing her armament to a total of 40 missiles.
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