Biden, "Caring for the Military and Their Families Is a Sacred Duty"
Delaware, the U.S. 18th Virginia-class Attack Nuclear Submarine
[Asia Economy International Department Reporter] U.S. President Joe Biden attended the commissioning ceremony of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Delaware on the 2nd (local time).
The USS Delaware was deployed in April 2020 but was unable to hold an official commissioning ceremony due to the spread of COVID-19. Given the heightened tensions between the Western bloc, including the U.S., and Russia, President Biden's attendance at the commissioning ceremony of the nuclear-powered submarine is interpreted as highly significant.
In his speech at the commissioning ceremony held at Wilmington Harbor, Delaware, President Biden said, "As Commander-in-Chief, I believe it is our sacred duty to prepare the military to send them down dangerous paths, equip them, and care for them and their families when they return."
He mentioned naming the submarine Delaware, calling it "part of a long tradition of proudly serving our nation and strengthening national security."
President Biden did not mention Russia's invasion of Ukraine in his speech. This is the first time President Biden has attended a submarine commissioning ceremony since taking office. After the event, he also boarded the submarine himself.
The USS Delaware is the 18th Virginia-class fast attack submarine of the United States. The U.S. Navy explained that the USS Delaware is designed to attack enemy submarines and surface ships, including the capability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The submarine is approximately 115 meters long and can operate at depths exceeding 244 meters. It can reach speeds of over 25 knots (46 km/h). The USS Delaware is designed to operate for more than 30 years without refueling.
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