Boardman Eyes Future as USS Idaho Prepares for Saturday Commissioning

While the commissioning ceremony for the USS Idaho (SSN 799) will take place this Saturday in Groton, Connecticut, the event holds a unique significance for the Columbia River community of Boardman. The new Virginia-class fast-attack submarine represents the cutting edge of naval technology, a field deeply connected to our region’s economic and security interests.

The Port of Morrow, a cornerstone of local industry, is no stranger to supporting major national infrastructure and defense projects. The meticulous planning, skilled labor, and complex logistics involved in building a vessel like the USS Idaho echo the precision required in our own port operations and the data centers that call our area home.

“It’s a reminder of the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing that power both national defense and our local economy,” said a port official. “While we’re not building submarines here, the problem-solving and technical expertise are values we share and cultivate.”

The submarine’s namesake also sparks a local connection through the mighty Snake and Columbia Rivers, which link our state to Idaho. The USS Idaho, the fourth Navy vessel to bear the state’s name, will be tasked with critical underwater missions, ensuring maritime security—a principle that resonates in a river-dependent community like Boardman.

As the crew prepares to bring the $2.7 billion submarine to life this weekend, folks in Boardman recognize a parallel story of American engineering and dedication, playing out on both the national stage and right here along our own vital waterways.