Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:12:40-2:15:05

Oklahoma and Arizona in the Virginia payload-module correction

The correction distinguishes the beginning of a construction block from the first boat with the enlarged missile section.

Naval ClassificationShip NamingVirginia Class SubmarinesVirginia Payload Module
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Question

Which boat leads Block V, and does it also introduce the Virginia Payload Module?

Short answer

Oklahoma is initially named as the lead Block V boat, but the follow-up identifies Arizona as the first to receive the payload module.

Notes

Oklahoma is initially offered when the discussion asks for the lead Block V submarine. That name is then used to illustrate the proposed separate classification for an enlarged missile boat. A later correction says Oklahoma will not receive the payload module and identifies Arizona as its first recipient. The classification proposal therefore cannot treat every Block V boat as the same enlarged configuration.