U.S. Sea Systems Command said delivery of the submarine occurred Thursday. The vessel is expected to be commissioned into service next spring.
"Colorado's delivery brings another Block III Virginia-class submarine to the fleet within budget," Navy Capt. Mike Stevens, Virginia-class submarine program manager said in a press release. "The submarine's outstanding quality continues the program's tradition of delivering combat ready submarines to the fleet.
"The Colorado is the most capable Virginia-class submarine bringing advanced capabilities and technology to the Navy fleet."
The future USS Colorado, or SSN 788, is the 15th Virginia-class submarine produced for the Navy and the fifth Block III model. Block IIIs feature a redesigned bow with enhanced payload capabilities -- 12 individual vertical launch tubes were replaced with two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes that can launch six Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Construction of the ship began in 2012. It was christened last year.
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