The Columbia-Class Submarine Problem the Navy Never Saw Coming

Summary and Key Points: The U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) face critical delays and cost overruns, threatening the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrence. The USS District of Washington, the first of its class, is already 16 months behind schedule.

-Designed to replace the aging Ohio-class, the Columbia subs are essential to maintaining America’s nuclear triad against threats from Russia, China, and North Korea.

-Equipped with advanced Trident D5LE2 missiles and electric propulsion for improved stealth, these subs guarantee a vital second-strike capability. To preserve global stability, the U.S. Navy urgently needs to resolve production setbacks and quickly deploy these advanced strategic submarines.

America’s New Columbia-Class Subs Are Behind Schedule: Here’s Why That Matters

The Columbia-class SSBNs are way behind schedule and far over budget. The first Columbia-class submarine is the USS District of Washington. As of November, she is 16 months behind schedule. 

Washington must resolve these issues quickly. The Columbia-class of SSBNs is the next and vital nuclear deterrent against an increasingly aggressive Russia, China, and North Korea. 

With the Ohio-class submarines reaching the end of their service lives, the United States Navy needs the Columbia-class to maintain America’s nuclear triad, which includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, air-launched cruise missiles maintained by the Air Force, even in space, and sea-based weapons that are the responsibility of the Navy.

Columbia-Class Matters: Submarines Offer Second-Strike Capability

In a nightmarish scenario where our potential enemies unleash a first strike against the United States, Pentagon leaders worry that our land-based and air-launched missiles could be rendered unusable by a crippling first strike.

Therefore, our sea-based assets, particularly our submarines, guarantee a second-strike capability to strike back.

“If you think about it from the adversary’s perspective, anything that they may think they could do as an initial strike, that [ballistic missile submarine] force is always out there on alert, on patrol, unknown where they’re at,” said Navy Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., director for strategic systems. 

“Certainly, if ever called upon, they are survivable and could ensure that a second strike from our nation could be performed. That is absolutely critical as you look at deterrence and what it means.”

What Are The US’ SSBNs?

The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, SSBNs (the official title stands for ship, submersible, ballistic, nuclear), are often called “Boomers.” They serve as an undetectable launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and are designed specifically for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads.

The Navy’s 14 Ohio-class SSBNs originally carried up to 24 SLBMs with multiple, independently-targeted warheads. However, under provisions of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, each submarine has permanently deactivated four missile tubes and now can only carry a maximum of 20 missiles. 

Each new Columbia-class submarine will have 16 missile tubes for deploying 16 Trident II D5 nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. Each Trident D5 missile will carry eight Thermonuclear Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) but could hold up to twelve MIRV Warheads. The Columbia-class boats will also deliver Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes.

The SSBN’s strategic weapon is the Trident II D5 missile, which provides increased range and accuracy over the now out-of-service Trident I C4 missile. SSBNs are part of the US nuclear triad, with land-based silos and aircraft.

Modernization Of The Nuclear Triad Is Vital

Admiral Wolfe added to lawmakers that despite supply chain challenges and a degraded industrial base, the Navy must advance modernization of its part of the nuclear triad. 

“First and foremost, we must maintain the current [Trident II D5LE] missile inventory and provide the necessary operational support to sustain Ohio-class submarines through the end of their life in the early 2040s,” he said. “Secondly … we must continue to ensure a seamless transition between Ohio-class and Columbia-class submarines.”

Our British Partners Are Vital For Deterrence

The United States isn’t alone when it comes to nuclear deterrence. Our allies, especially the United Kingdom, have been steadfast partners in keeping belligerent actors at bay.

“One of the greatest advantages the United States has is its alliances and partnerships,” Wolfe said. “For decades, US policy has recognized the contribution … an independent British nuclear deterrent adds to NATO, and indeed global stability. [Strategic Systems Programs] will continue to support and sustain this most important relationship.”

The timely modernization of our nuclear triad is the most important factor in our deterrence. Jill Hruby, the former head of the National Nuclear Security Administration, said that the US must outthink China and Russia moving forward. With a pair of near-peer nuclear nations, we must think beyond the 2030s to keep our deterrence where it should be.  

Columbia’s New Technology

The Columbia-class submarines have some new features that will make her stealthier and more powerful. The 16 Trident missiles will be loaded on the first eight boats constructed.

An upgraded D5LE2 ballistic missile will be installed from the ninth Columbia-class boat onwards. This Life Extension missile is a product of a joint American/British effort. The missile is cost-effective since both countries will share the $1.2 billion deal.  

The D5LE2 “won’t look like the D5 that we’ve got today, it won’t be completely new, it will be somewhere in the middle,” said Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, director of Strategic Systems Programs (SSP).

The three-stage missile is promoted as the most advanced ballistic missile in the world. The D5LE2 can carry multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles and features a celestially-aided inertial navigation system. 

Columbia Boomers will run on an electric drive instead of the reduction gearing and mechanical drive systems that power most nuclear-powered subs. These boats will use a nuclear reactor to generate energy, which will then be converted to fuel the electric propulsion motor. The Columbia submarines can sail at speeds over 20 knots and operate at depths of around 800 feet.

According to Naval Technology, the Columbia-class submarines will have X-shaped stern control surfaces and sail-mounted dive planes, and the hull will be covered with an anechoic coating.

Save the World: US Nuclear Deterrence Must Hold Long Enough

The Pentagon sees its deterrence against China, Russia, and North Korea as a result of how fast we can modernize. The Ohio-class boomers must be closely monitored for hull weakening/metal fatigue. The radioactive fuel that runs the reactors must be replaced, and the reactors themselves must eventually be refurbished or replaced at considerable cost.

The first Columbia-class submarines are due to be at sea by 2030. Our SSBNs carry 70 percent of the US operational nuclear deterrent arsenal. That is an area that must be maintained.

Shipbuilding issues need to be fixed to get the new boomers online faster. With opaque Chinese intentions to nuclear saber-rattling by Putin, the world is getting to be a more dangerous place.  

About the Author: Steve Balestrieri 

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.