Watery Warfare: The Navy’s Newest Ships Are Silent, Deadly, and Unstoppable

Naval warfare has shaped the course of human history for centuries, dating back to ancient times when wooden galleys powered by oars clashed across the Mediterranean. From early sea battles fought with ramming ships and archers to the age of sails, cannons, and ironclads, maritime combat has continually evolved with new technologies and tactics. The foundations laid in these early naval conflicts paved the way for the powerful, modern warships that dominate the seas today.

In many ways, the United States Navy is the most powerful in the world, even if it isn’t the largest in terms of fleet size. With significant firepower, the most aircraft carriers, and one of the largest air forces at its disposal, picking a fight with the United States Navy is a surefire way to end up on the wrong side of the most fearsome war machines the world has ever assembled. 

• Commission date: October 5, 2019
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: October 26, 2019
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Freedom-class

• Commission date: March 7, 2020
• Unit type: Expeditionary mobile base
• Class: Lewis B. Puller-class

• Commission date: April 4, 2020
• Unit type: Attack submarine
• Class: Virginia-class

• Commission date: April 18, 2020
• Unit type: Attack submarine
• Class: Virginia-class

• Commission date: June 20, 2020
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: July 15, 2020
• Unit type: Amphibious assault ship
• Class: America-class

• Commission date: August 8, 2020
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Freedom-class

• Commission date: September 26, 2020
• Unit type: Destroyer
• Class: Arleigh Burke-class

• Commission date: April 17, 2021
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: May 8, 2021
• Unit type: Expeditionary mobile base
• Class: Lewis B. Puller-class

• Commission date: May 22, 2021
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: December 8, 2021
• Unit type: Destroyer
• Class: Arleigh Burke-class

• Commission date: February 5, 2022
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: May 14, 2022
• Unit type: Destroyer
• Class: Arleigh Burke-class

• Commission date: May 21, 2022
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Freedom-class

• Commission date: May 28, 2022
• Unit type: Attack submarine
• Class: Virginia-class

• Commission date: June 25, 2022
• Unit type: Attack submarine
• Class: Virginia-class

• Commission date: July 30, 2022
• Unit type: Amphibious transport dock
• Class: San Antonio-class

• Commission date: April 1, 2023
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: May 6, 2023
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Freedom-class

• Commission date: May 13, 2023
• Unit type: Destroyer
• Class: Arleigh Burke-class

• Commission date: June 24, 2023
• Unit type: Destroyer
• Class: Arleigh Burke-class

• Commission date: July 22, 2023
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: September 16, 2023
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Freedom-class

• Commission date: September 30, 2023
• Unit type: Littoral combat ship
• Class: Independence-class

• Commission date: October 7, 2023
• Unit type: Destroyer
• Class: Arleigh Burke-class

• Commission date: October 14, 2023
• Unit type: Attack submarine
• Class: Virginia-class

• Commission date: February 17, 2024
• Unit type: Expeditionary mobile base
• Class: Lewis B. Puller-class

• Commission date: February 24, 2024
• Unit type: Attack submarine
• Class: Virginia-class