What is a key mission of the Virginia-class submarine?

A key mission of the Virginia-class submarine is fast attack and special operations support. This class of submarine is designed to conduct a variety of missions, which includes anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and special operations support.

The Virginia-class submarines are specifically equipped to deploy special forces and support other covert operations, highlighting their versatility and effectiveness in modern naval warfare. They have advanced systems that allow them to operate effectively in shallow waters and uncharted environments, making them adept at fulfilling roles that require stealth and precision, such as inserting or extracting Navy SEALs.

While strategic deterrent capabilities is a critical function of some submarines, like the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, the Virginia-class focuses more on multi-mission flexibility, which includes supporting special operations. This underscores the importance of the Virginia-class in the U.S. Navy's overall strategy of maintaining a robust and adaptable undersea warfare capability.