The United States Navy's Virginia-class fast attack submarines program is now running nearly three years behind schedule, while it has been projected to cost more than $17 billion over the planned budget through the decade's end.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has announced the names of three future Virginia-class submarines, honoring the city of Norfolk, a major Virginia river and the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of three Virginia-class submarines to be the future USS Potomac (SSN 814), the future USS Norfolk (SSN 815), and the future USS Brooklyn (SSN 816)

The new attack submarine was designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, conduct intelligence and surveillance tasks, engage in mine warfare and other battle operations,