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.

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,

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Monday the third Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarine will be named for Groton, home of the Naval Submarine Base and Electric Boat, where portions of the 12-ship class' first two submarines are under construction.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of three Virginia-class submarines, with one being named the USS Norfolk. It will join the USS Potomac and USS Brooklyn, according to a Monday announcement.