Ocean Dominance: The U.S. Navy’s Newest Ships Sail Into Service

Key Points

The U.S. Navy is constantly in the business of modernizing its force, refreshing older hulls, and pushing new technologies into service
The most recent commissionings and additions include advanced Arleigh Burke–class destroyers and Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines
This modernization comes with a generational shift in aircraft carriers as Nimitz-class carriers are phasing out and Ford-class carriers are slowly joining the ranks
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By Chris Lange Oct 5, 2025 1:00 pm

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Ocean Dominance: The U.S. Navy’s Newest Ships Sail Into Service — © US Navy / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Navy is constantly in the business of modernizing its force, refreshing older hulls, and pushing new technologies into service. The most recent commissionings and additions highlight this push as advanced Arleigh Burke–class destroyers and Virginia-class attack submarines are joining the fleet. This comes alongside a new generation of frigates in the Constellation class, which was influenced by NATO allies. These new additions bring upgraded radar, sensors and defensive systems that allow the US Navy to further project power around the globe.

This modernization comes with a generational shift in aircraft carriers. The Nimitz-class carriers, some of which have been in service for half-a-century, are being phased out by the Gerald R. Ford class. The flagship of the class is already active and more carriers are scheduled to enter service over the next decade, like the USS Enterprise and the USS John F. Kennedy.

The Ford-class supercarriers are both in late-stage construction and testing phases at Newport News Shipbuilding. They feature a number of new systems, namely an upgraded powerplant from the Nimitz-class and improved weapons elevators–not to mention, state-of-the-art radar. These new supercarriers promise higher sortie rates, as well. However, they have been burdened with supply-chain issues which have resulted in scheduling delays. Originally, the Enterprise was expected for a 2025 summer delivery, but this has been postponed with a new target for March 2027.

In terms of the structure of the U.S. Navy, destroyers account for roughly 30% of active vessels and submarines about a quarter, with cruisers, littoral combat ships and amphibious assault ships filling out the rest. These newest commissionings aren’t just new names on the registry. In fact, they’re mission-ready and designed to keep the Navy technologically current. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the U.S. Navy and the newest ships to enter the fleet.

To determine the U.S. Navy’s newest warships, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed various military and historical sources. We compiled data on all ships and submarines — 36 in total — that have been commissioned in the service of the U.S. Navy for five years or less and ranked them by age. It should be noted that this list is current as of October 2025.

Here is a look at the newest ships to enter the U.S. Navy:

Why Are We Covering This?

Aerial drone photo of USS Gerald R. Ford latest technology nuclear powered aircraft carrier anchored in deep blue open ocean sea

Knowing the most recent ships and submarines to enter the U.S. Navy is important for understanding the state of national security in the United States. Also the Navy is primarily how the United States projects power across vast distances and maintains a secure balance within the global community.