Lansford Borough Councilman John Zym attended the recent dedication ceremony of the U.S. Navy’s newest addition to its submarine fleet.

The ceremony for the USS Idaho (799) was held at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

The USS Idaho is the latest to be dedicated in a fleet of Nuclear Powered Fast-Attack submarines, and is the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named for the Gem State. The most recent predecessor, USS Idaho (BB-42), was a New Mexico-class battleship commissioned in 1919 that earned seven battle stars for its service in World War II, including action at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Cmdr. Chad J. Guillerault, Idaho’s commanding officer, offered remarks.

“The Idaho connection is more than a name, it is a legacy — a legacy built before us that is being reborn today,” Guillerault said. “I am incredibly proud to be the commissioning captain of a vessel so steeped in tradition and most importantly, honored to be the captain of a crew so mighty that they have outshone all those before them.”

Hung Cao, acting secretary of the Navy, emphasized the strategic importance of the new submarine.

“We are a maritime nation, bordering on both the Atlantic and the Pacific. Our commerce depends on safe and secure sea lanes of communication,” Cao said.

Idaho (SSN 799) is the 26th Virginia-class fast attack submarine and the eighth of the advanced Block IV configuration. It was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding and christened on March 16, 2024, in Groton. Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length and has a beam of 34 feet.

It is powered by a reactor plant that will not require refueling during its planned life, which reduces life cycle costs while increasing operational availability.

“It was an honor to be invited and able attend this historic event,” Zym said. “Actually being able to go on a nuclear submarine was a thrill. The men and woman who serve in our armed forces are a special breed and deserve our admiration, appreciation and respect.”

Zym was invited by his son-in-law, Machinist Mate Auxiliary 2nd Class (MMA2) Gianni Luzzetti. A graduate of Nazareth Area High School’s Class of 2020, Luzzetti is married to Zym’s daughter, Rhiannon, and they have a 6-month-old daughter, Saylor.

As an MMA2, Luzzetti is part of the Auxiliary Division, which is responsible for operating and maintaining mechanical ship support systems. The division operates many of the non-nuclear support systems onboard used for habitability and propulsion, including hydraulics, high pressure air systems, atmosphere control systems, hovering and depth control systems and the diesel generator.