The contract to build the ninth Virginia-class submarine was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Conn., on August 14, 2003, The construction began in February 2007.

June 9, 2010 The keel for the Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi was laid down during a ceremony at GDEB’s Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, R.I.

December 3, 2011 PCU Mississippi (SSN 782) was christened during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony at Electric Boat in Groton, CT. Ms. Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant SECNAV for ship programs, served as sponsor of the ship. Capt. John McGrath is the prospective commanding officer.

April 9, 2012 The Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi returned to Groton, Conn., after a two-day alpha sea trials. Underway for Bravo sea trials from April 10-17.

May 2, U.S. Navy took delivery of PCU Mississippi from the General Dynamic's Electric Boat, essentially one year early to the submarine's contract delivery date of April 30, 2013, and almost three months faster than USS Missouri (SSN 780). Arrived at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on May 4.