Columbia-Class Submarine (2020 Presidential transition)
| Book 2 - Issue Papers
|
|---|
| Entire 2020 DOE Transition book As of October 2020 |
The OHIO-Class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which provides the sea-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad, is approaching the end of its useful life. As the most survivable leg of the triad, SSBNs play a critical role in the deterrence mission and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It is imperative that the Navy replace its capabilities to ensure continuous and credible sea-based strategic deterrence.
Background
The current OHIO-Class fleet has already been extended from a service life of 30 years to its current life of 42 years. The OHIO-Class’s service life cannot be extended further and will begin to retire in 2028 at a rate of one per year.
Issue(s)
Naval Reactors is developing a reactor plant with a life-of-ship core, which will serve in excess of 40 years, and electric drive propulsion for the COLUMBIA-Class. Work to support the COLUMBIA-Class submarine is tightly synchronized between Navy and DOE-funded propulsion plant work.
Status
The FY 2021 DOE budget request will continue supporting oversight of the lead ship propulsion plant components and safety analysis work required to support lead ship reactor testing . Navy began procuring long-lead material for the propulsion plant and manufacturing the life-of-ship reactor core in FY 2019.
Milestone(s)
To meet increased operational availability, stealth, and energy requirements for the COLUMBIA-Class submarine, ship construction starts in 2020.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Delivery of lead ship to the Navy | FY 2028 |
| Strategic patrol of lead ship | FY 2031 |
Major Decisions/Events
The President’s FY 2021 DOE and Navy Budget requests fully support the project’s requirements. Maintaining support is critical to meeting the schedule and supporting USSTRATCOM requirements.