Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) joined high-ranking Navy officers and sailors today at U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown to commission the USS New Jersey—the branch’s newest submarine and the third naval vessel named after the state of New Jersey.

“Today is a special day for the United States Navy and our country,” said Smith, who has represented three Navy installations during his tenure in Congress—including Naval Weapons Station Earle, Naval Air Warfare Center Trenton, and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst (now part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst).

“Once again, a vessel named after the great state of New Jersey will take to sea flying the flag of the United States, venturing to the darkest depths of the ocean to protect the homeland, deter aggression, and safeguard the American way of life,” Smith, the Dean of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, said during remarks at the ceremony.

A highly advanced and lethal fast attack submarine, the USS New Jersey measures 377 feet long, weighs 7,800 tons, and can remain submerged underwater for up to three months.

Smith, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, noted that threats to U.S. national security are ubiquitous and said, “the importance of this submarine’s capability and decisiveness in battle cannot be overstated in a world with escalated existential threats from Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and Iran.”

“Deployment of the USS New Jersey and other submarines—especially this Virginia class of nuclear-powered cruise missile fast-attack sub—provide an extra level of deterrence and long-range capability to dissuade our enemies,” said Smith.

“It’s not lost on us that this ceremony is taking place in the shadow of the Freedom Tower where 23 years ago this week terrorists unleashed a deadly coordinated attack on our country and everything we hold dear,” Smith said.

Smith recognized significant contributions from Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro; Dr. Susan DiMarco, sponsor of the submarine; and members of the Commissioning Committee who organized this special occasion. He especially thanked Commander Steven Halle and his crew who would serve on board.

“To ‘Devils of the Deep,’ USS New Jersey’s dedicated crew—you represent the best America has to offer,” said Smith. “You have answered our nation’s call to serve at a time of distinct threat to both us and our allies.”

“Know that people from New Jersey and all Americans are grateful for your tenacity, courage, commitment to our nation—and your commitment to this vessel's mission,” Smith added.

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