The U.S. Navy has decided to name a room aboard the USS Idaho (SSN 799) after Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior. This recognition is unusual for Navy submarines, which rarely dedicate spaces to individuals.
Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) announced the honor and noted that he spoke with USS Idaho Commander C.J. Guillerault in December to request this acknowledgment. Risch highlighted Kempthorne’s role in supporting the project and his ongoing commitment to the U.S. military.
The room being named is the Engine Room, powered by a nuclear reactor developed at the Idaho National Laboratory. This selection underscores Kempthorne’s influence on both the submarine project and broader military support efforts.
“Dirk’s contributions to our great state and our nation are significant. His leadership and dedication to the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee is a true testament to Dirk’s resounding love for the Gem State,” said Risch.“It was my great honor to request the USS Idaho’s Engine Room be named for my dear friend and Idaho’s former governor, Dirk Kempthorne.”
Kempthorne previously served on the Senate Armed Services Committee as a U.S. Senator for Idaho and continued advocating for service members during his tenure as Governor, including serving as Commander in Chief of the Idaho National Guard. He led Operation Military Blessings and chaired the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee, which arranged scholarships for all crew members and their families throughout the vessel’s service life.
The USS Idaho is a Virginia Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, marking it as one of five naval vessels named after Idaho. The state has historical significance in naval nuclear technology, with its first prototype submarine reactor constructed in 1951 at what is now known as the Idaho National Laboratory. Since then, Idaho has supported every major class of submarine and currently hosts two important Navy facilities: the Naval Reactors Facility and Acoustic Research Detachment.
A letter from the U.S. Navy confirming this decision was sent to Senator Risch.
