GAO Study Reveals Delays and Costs in U.S. Submarine Fleet Maintenance

A government study found that shortcomings at shipyard repair and maintenance yards are causing years of delays and billions in costs for the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney pushed back on the findings, stating the GAO report undercounted capable attack submarines and failed to account for maintenance acceleration due to multi-billion dollar investments. The study concerned the U.S. fleet of new generation Virginia Class attack submarines. The Pentagon had awarded the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton $76.6 billion for the Virginia program, including $42 billion for nine more Virginia class attack submarines and $29.5 billion for five more Columbia class ballistic missile submarines.

The findings are being reviewed in the context of Congressional oversight regarding defense spending. The issues are critical given the need for persistent deterrence capability in the Indo-Pacific. The problems raise questions about the efficiency of the defense procurement and maintenance process.

Strategic rivalry between major powers shapes the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. Leaders discussed coordination in the Indo-Pacific region involving China.