WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Defense says the first Navy submarine named after the state of Delaware has officially joined the branch's fleet.
Navy officials said in a statement that the USS Delaware was commissioned administratively and transitioned to normal operations on Saturday.
The fast attack submarine is the first Navy vessel to carry the state’s name in nearly 100 years.
Officials had planned to hold a public ceremony for the boat at the Port of Wilmington, but it was canceled to protect against the spread of the new coronavirus.
Jill Biden, the wife of former Vice President Joe Biden, sponsored the submarine.
