Columbia-Class News



HII / Newport News Shipbuilding

October 31, 2024 - Suspicious welds found on Ford and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and Virginia and Columbia-class submarines.

"An initial assessment at Newport News Shipbuilding determined that fewer than two dozen welders did not consistently follow procedures in their weld process," said HII’s chief financial officer Thomas Stiehle. "We continue to work alongside with the Navy through a comprehensive investigation and analysis to determine the extent of any financial impact." The Navy and the shipyard are continuing to assess the extent of the weld problems. A Navy official told USNI News that tens of thousands of welds needed to be inspected but did not say how many need to be repaired or reworked. (read more...)

HII / General Dynamics

January 9, 2024 - HII Delivers First Columbia-Class Submarine Stern to GD Electric Boat, Says CEO.

The stern of the future USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) left Newport News on the specialized barge Holden designed to haul the section up the East Coast and has arrived at Quonset Point in Rhode Island. The delivery marks a major milestone in the construction of the lead boat in the Columbia-class nuclear ballistic submarine program. (read more...)

General Dynamics

December 21, 2022 - General Dynamics Electric Boat Awarded $5.1 Billion by U.S. Navy for Columbia-Class Submarines.

The award funds advance procurement and advance construction of critical components and material to support Build II (the next five ships in the class), efforts to support continuous missile tube production, enhancements to develop the Submarine Industrial Base, and sustained class maintenance and support. (read more...)

The Mitchell Institute

August 24, 2022 - The Mitchell Institute's Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense Forum event with RADM Scott W. Pappano, Program Executive Officer, Strategic Submarines. The admiral discusses the Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine and D-5/2 ballistic missile modernization programs. (watch video...)

US Navy

June 4, 2022 - General Dynamics Electric Boat conducted a keel laying ceremony for the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, USS District of Columbia (SSBN 826) at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. (read more...)

General Dynamics

November 5, 2020 - General Dynamics Electric Boat awarded $9.5 billion by U.S. Navy for Columbia-class submarines.

The contract modification option will be used for the construction and testing of the lead and second ships of the Columbia class, as well as associated design and engineering support. The contract award marks a significant milestone towards delivering at least 12 Columbia class submarines. (read more...)

US Navy

October 29, 2020 - US Secretary of the Navy announced the second Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine will be named in honor of the state of Wisconsin (SSBN-827). This will be the third Naval vessel to bear the state name. (read more...)

NAVSEA

October 9, 2020 - Naval Foundry and Propeller Center makes historic first casting for Columbia-class submarines. This casting represents one of the largest in American history weighing over 200,000 pounds. (read more...)

THE HILL

September 21, 2020 - House stopgap spending bill includes $1.6B for Columbia-class subs. (read more...)

General Dynamics

June 12, 2020 - General Dynamics Electric Boat Begins Next Phase of Expansion to Support Construction of New Class of Submarines.

Electric Boat is the prime contractor on the design and build of the 12 ships of the Columbia class, which will replace the aging Ohio-class of ballistic-missile submarines. Early construction began in 2017 at the company's facility in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Final assembly and test of the Columbia class will take place starting in 2024 at Electric Boat's shipyard in Groton. (read more...)

General Dynamics

September 17, 2018 - General Dynamics Awarded $481 Million for Continued Development of U.S. Navy's Next Ballistic-Missile Submarine.

In close collaboration with the Navy and the submarine industrial base, Electric Boat will continue to lead key aspects of the Columbia-class development effort. This work includes design, material procurement, construction and operating-cost reduction. The entire Columbia-class team is committed to achieving an affordable and effective program. (read more...)