The Navy wants to begin deploying early in the next century what it calls the New Attack Submarine (NAS), which is now under design at the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Conn. When, where, and at what rates the new ships should be produced - or not produced - are the issues now being disputed in Congress as it considers the future of the submarine program. Even so, new vessels will still have to be built to replace those the Navy plans to retire at the end of their 30-year life spans. With the threat of atomic war diminished by the Soviet Union's collapse, the Navy plans to cut back its Trident fleet to 14 by the year 2003.Īs for attack submarines, the Clinton administration acknowledges that the US has more than it needs and wants to reduce the 87-strong fleet to between 45 and 55 vessels. The Navy operates two basic submarine types: attack submarines and Trident nuclear missile-armed ships. ''There are no post-cold-war threats that justify these kinds of weapons systems,'' argues Sen. Yet how can the Pentagon justify billions for new weapons intended to counter an adversary who no longer exists? It's a classic post-cold-war problem: Do some weapon-production lines need to be kept humming and ready, even in times of peace? The United States nuclear sub production capacity has been assembled at great expense and effort over many years, and many in the Navy are loath to see it broken up for want of contracts. The outcome will not only determine the shape of the fleet well into the 21st century, but the future of the US submarine industry, its specialized work force, and the communities it sustains as well. ''Rudder is right 5 degrees.''Īs the USS Philadelphia glides out into the tranquil Atlantic Ocean depths on another cruise, a political battle rages on the surface over America's nuclear-powered attack submarine program. ''Passing course zero-nine-zero,'' intones a sailor. Inside the cramped command center of the USS Philadelphia, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, eyes lock on consoles. Only three Block IV Virginia -class submarines are in service, although several more are currently under construction.WITH a slight shudder that belies its awesome bulk, one of the most intricate and lethal pieces of engineering ever conceived noses silently beneath the fog-cloaked waters off Long Island. Today, 21 Virginia -class submarines have entered service with the Navy – the majority of them from the earlier Blocks I, II, and III. How many Virginia-class submarines are in the waters today? To this day, the Virginia -class is built through an arrangement involving these two shipyards since they are the only shipyards able to build nuclear-powered submarines. The first Virginia -class prototype was built in 2001 by Newport News Shipbuilding and the General Dynamics Electric Boat company. The Virginia -class surpassed the Seawolf -class largely due to its cheaper production cost and smaller frame. A article details that three Seawolf submarines were ultimately completed before the program’s cancelation, costing the Navy a whopping $3 billion per boat. Originally, the Seawolf-class of vessels was developed to replace the Los Angeles -class, but production was abruptly canceled shortly into the program’s timeline. Perhaps surprisingly, the Virginia -class was not the first new concept to enter service following the Cold War. A brief history of the Virginia class:ĭeveloped under the codename “Centurion,” the Navy’s Virginia -class submarines were conceptualized back in 1991. Navy, the Virginia -class boats have supported five of the branch’s maritime strategy core capabilities including power projection, forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. Since their introduction to service with the U.S. Its production line at Newport News Shipbuilding is fully staffed, indicating the remaining Block IV Virginia vessels will be delivered according to schedule. Now, the Virginia -class submarine production line is finally getting more focus. Meet the Virginia-Class: For years, the preeminent Columbia -class submarine program took center stage when it came to the U.S.
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