Commander Submarine Forces

Hypersonic Weapons on Track to Deploy on Attack Submarines in 2028

Rendering of Block V Virginia-class submarine with Virginia Payload Module. General Dynamics Electric Boat Image

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy is still on track to deploy hypersonic weapons on its attack submarines in 2028, a service official said Thursday.

While the first Zumwalt-class destroyer will get a hypersonic weapon in 2025, the first Virginia-class submarine will deploy with hypersonics in 2028, Strategic Systems Programs director Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe said today at the annual Naval...

https://news.usni.org/2021/11/18/hypersonic-weapons-on-track-to-deploy-on-attack-submarines-in-2028

CBO Report on Nuclear Submarine Maintenance

The following is the March 24, 2021 Congressional Budget Office report, The Capacity of the Navy’s Shipyards to Maintain Its Submarines.

From the report

The U.S. Navy’s 70 submarines represent nearly one-quarter of its total fleet. Like all naval ships, those submarines require several periods of intensive maintenance during their service life. Navy policy dictates that most maintenance on nuclear-powered ships (all U.S. submarines are nuclear-powered) be performed by the four shipyards it owns...

https://news.usni.org/2021/03/26/cbo-report-on-nuclear-submarine-maintenance

Submarine Force Changing Training, Acquisition to Focus on Warfare Against Sophisticated Adversary

Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Jacob Thompson, from Cleburne, Texas, initiates a Mark 48 advanced-capability torpedo launch aboard the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN-721) in support of Valiant Shield 2020. US Navy Photo

The submarine fleet has shifted its focus from operational readiness to warfighting readiness, and with that new mindset has come changes in how the fleet conducts training, acquisition and maintenance, several officials said last week.

After a...

https://news.usni.org/2020/11/25/submarine-force-changing-training-acquisition-to-focus-on-warfare-against-sophisticated-adversary

Navy New Virginia Block VI Virginia Attack Boat Will Inform SSN(X)

USS Vermont (SSN-792) transits the Thames River while conducting routine operations on Oct. 15, 2020. US Navy Photo

The submarine community is nearing a plan for its Block VI Virginia-class submarine, which will be an improvement in stealth and capability compared to the boats under construction today and will be a bridge to the upcoming SSN(X) program.

The Block V Virginia submarines – the first three of which have already begun construction – represent the first time the Navy has made a major...

https://news.usni.org/2020/11/20/navy-new-virginia-block-vi-virginia-attack-boat-will-inform-ssnx

Sub Force Drafting New Vision Document to Succeed in High-End Environment

USS Washington (SSN-787). HII Photo

ARLINGTON, Va. – The submarine community wants to preserve its ability to operate as a silent service under the seas while also contributing to the wider fleet and joint fight, the commander of the Submarine Force said today.

Speaking at the Naval Submarine League annual symposium, Vice Adm. Chas Richard said his team is putting together a new Vision 20XX document to outline the submarine force’s role in a future fight.

Richard, who later this month will leave...

https://news.usni.org/2019/11/06/sub-force-drafting-new-vision-document-to-succeed-in-high-end-environment

Panel: Navy Advancing Tactics, Adding New Weapons to Boost Combat Lethality

Sailors load a Harpoon anti-ship cruise missile aboard the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) as part of the biannual Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) maritime exercise, July 3, 2018. US Navy photo.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Each Navy community is updating its tactics and weapons with lethality and a potential high-end distributed fight in mind, several admirals said last week.

The submarine community is overhauling its training courses to focus on high-end combat, the aviation...

https://news.usni.org/2019/02/20/panel-navy-advancing-tactics-adding-new-weapons-boost-combat-lethality

Navy Creating Attack Sub Aggressor Unit to Train to Fight Against Russia, China

Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN-780) on May 31, 2018. US Navy Photo

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy submarine force is creating an aggressor squadron as one initiative to ensure all subs are combat-ready as the service trains to take on China and Russia, the commander of Naval Submarine Forces said on Wednesday.

Vice Adm. Charles Richard, who took command in August, drew attention during the change of command ceremony by telling the force to “prepare for battle.”

He has...

https://news.usni.org/2018/11/08/submarine-forces-china-russia