The Tulsa Regional Chamber hosted a dinner Monday night to salute future crew members of the USS Oklahoma (SSN-802), a nuclear attack submarine set to be christened in early 2027.
It is the first U.S. Navy ship to bear the state’s name since the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was sunk during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
“We are humbled to honor crew members of the USS Oklahoma,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Chamber. “The sacrifice and dedication you demonstrate to our country is inspiring to all of us living under the blanket of freedom that you provide. As we look forward to USS Oklahoma’s christening next spring, please know that you have the unwavering support of a grateful state and nation.”
Joining Chamber staff and community and education leaders at The Summit dinner were elected officials from the city and county, as well as state and federal lawmakers.
The USS Oklahoma Commissioning Committee has raised more than $2.24 million to support welfare, education and morale programs for the sailors and their families, including scholarships for the future crew to offset early career educational expenses.
Tulsa-based QuikTrip donated $200,000 and launched a statewide matching campaign, eventually presenting a $1 million check this past week after Oklahomans met the challenge.
“Being an Air Force veteran, I spent 22 years in the Air Force, there’s nothing more special to me than the things we can do with the military,” Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern said. “...What you have that is special in Oklahoma is the dedication to our men and women, both to those serving and to those who have served. Nothing demonstrates that more than our veterans’ hospital here, all the things we’ve done for veterans here in our state and will continue to do show.”
Among the crew members at the event was USS Oklahoma Commanding Officer Jason Kim.
“My experience (in Oklahoma) has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said. “All of you have definitely been a part of that. I want to extend my gratitude to all of you. I promise you I will do my best to make sure that we are ready and the ship is ready.”
The 377-foot, 7,800-ton submarine will be powered by a nuclear reactor that will allow it to travel at speeds exceeding 25 knots (roughly 29mph). It will feature the extended Virginia Payload Module, which houses massive vertical launch tubes that can carry up to 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles, nearly triple the strike capacity of earlier Virginia-class submarines.
The USS Oklahoma is scheduled to be commissioned in 2029.
“As we all reflected on the 250 years of this country, the ups and the downs and the changes, all that progress has only been made possible because you and the generations of folks who served before you have made sure that there is something we don’t have to worry about in this country, our safety,” Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said.
“...As you travel throughout the state but particularly in Tulsa, I hope you feel the love and respect that we have for each and every one of you.”
To donate to the USS Oklahoma SSN 802 Commissioning Committee Fund, please click here.