Spectators gather to observe a christening of the Idaho (SSN 799) during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard facility in Groton, Conn., Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)

The newest Virginia-class, fast-attack nuclear submarine is one step closer to beginning its Navy career.

The future USS Idaho (SSN 799) was christened Saturday at Groton, Conn. Idaho is the 26th submarine in the Virginia class, designed for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support. It is the 13th delivered by Electric Boat, which teams with Newport News Shipbuilding in the construction of Virginia class subs.

The submarine will be the fourth U.S. Navy warship to carry the name Idaho, and the first Navy submarine.

The Idaho is a cutting-edge, high-stealth warship capable of intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, surveillance, land attacks, mine detection and sea control.

Interior construction, testing, dockside trials and sea trials must occur before the submarine can be delivered to the Navy, which should be by the spring of next year.

The crew of the pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Idaho (SSN 799) march in formation during a christening ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard facility in Groton, Conn., Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)

Principal speakers and stakeholders for the pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Idaho (SSN 799) observe the national anthem during a christening ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard facility in Groton, Conn., Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)

The crew of the pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Idaho (SSN 799) stand in formation during a christening ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard facility in Groton, Conn., Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)