The future USS John H. Dalton, a Virginia Attack Boat, SSN-808 will be named after John H. Dalton, the 70th Secretary of the Navy who served on two submarines before pursuing a career in the private sector and government. Secretary Del Toro praised Dalton’s strong and principled stands against sexual assault and harassment during his tenure and oversaw the integration of female Sailors onto combat ships. The attack submarine is designed to carry out various missions such as seeking and destroying enemy submarines and surface ships, supporting battle group operations, and engaging in mine warfare.
The future USS John H. Dalton will honor John H. Dalton, the 70th Secretary of the Navy, who served on two submarines USS Blueback (SS 581) and USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630) before departing active duty to pursue graduate education and a career in the private sector.
“I couldn’t be prouder to name this future submarine after John Dalton,” said Secretary Del Toro. “He served as a proud submariner and as Secretary of the Navy, he took strong and principled stands against sexual assault and harassment and oversaw the integration of female Sailors onto combat ships. The changes he drove almost thirty years ago are evident in all corners of our Navy today, with women serving on, above, and below the sea. A ship bearing his name brings strength to the crew who will undoubtedly operate it with the courage and dignity of John H. Dalton.”
U.S. Navy Secretary Del Toro