USS Baltimore (SSN-812) explained

USS Baltimore (SSN-812) will be a nuclear-powered of the United States Navy, the eleventh Block V attack submarines and 39th overall of her class. The submarine will be the eighth U.S. Navy vessel named for Baltimore, Maryland. She was named after the city due to the recent Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, and her hull number 812 is a historical reference to the War of 1812. The Bombardment of Baltimore by the Royal Navy in this conflict inspired Key to compose the "Star Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States.^[1]

Baltimore and sister ship SSN-813 were ordered during the 2024 Fiscal Year budget at a combined cost of $9.4 billion.

Design

Compared to Blocks I-IV of Virginia-class submarines, Block V vessels 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.^{[2] [3]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mongilio . Heather . LaGrone . Sam . 20 September 2024 . SECNAV Del Toro Names Attack Boat for Baltimore as Sub-Funding Impasse Continues . United States Naval Institute.
2. Web site: Attack Submarines - SSN . 2024-05-09 . United States Navy . en-US.
3. Web site: Hicks Named Sponsor of Newly Named Nuclear Submarine . 2024-09-22 . U.S. Department of Defense . en-US.