USS Hawaii

While so many people are excited for the next line in maritime peacekeeping—the Virginia class subs, including the USS Hawaii, which will be stationed in Pearl Harbor in 2009—many are reminded of where we have come from to get to where we are. The submarine christened the USS Hawaii is not the first United States Navy ship to have that name. Previously, the USS Hawaii was destined to be a large cruises during World War II.

In 1945, the USS Hawaii was to be the third Alaskan class cruiser, and was given the designation of CB-3. It was actually a project that was started back before the end of WWII in 1942, but was put on hold to build more urgently needed ships such as the ASW escorts. Construction was resumed in 1943, and the ship actually set to sea for the first time in 1945. Some construction continued while afloat, but building of the USS Arizona CB-3 was once again suspended in 1947. In 1952, it seemed new life would be breathed into the battle cruiser, reclassifying it as a large tactical command ship, but the project was later dropped. Without every being completely built or commissioned, the first USS Arizona was finally sold for scrap in 1959.

Now, in a new age, the USS Hawaii sails as one of the most advanced submarines available. The Virginia class sub has highly advanced capabilities, and will be docking in Pearl Harbor in 2009. Considering the uncertain future once held by the previous USS Hawaii, the warship that now bears this name has an illustrious path set before it. Bringing honor to the men and women—both service and civilian—of Hawaii, this new sub will patrol the waters with its peacekeeping mission in mind, protecting US soil from all threats both foreign and domestic.