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Business Insider
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
What this attack submarine sidelined for a decade says about the US Navy's maintenance failures
Sidelined for over ten years now, the attack submarine USS Boise has become one of the clearest and most damning examples of the US Navy's maintenance problems. The Los Angeles-class sub came up during the confirmation hearing of Adm. Daryl Caudle, President Donald Trump's pick for top admiral. The Senate recently confirmed him as the new chief of naval operations. Last month, Caudle responded to fresh concerns about the Boise and questions of whether it might be time to scrap the boat. He told the US Senate Armed Services Committee that if he were confirmed, he'd look hard at the Boise's situation. "The decision whether or not to actually walk away from Boise is a big one, and I want to make sure I clearly understand the trajectory and trends," Caudle said, responding to a question from Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican who had asked him if it was time to "just simply pull the plug on that one." "I hear you loud and clear, senator, on how unacceptable it is, how long she's been in the yards," the admiral said. He added that the Boise's delays were "a dagger in my heart as a submarine officer." Caudle previously served as commander on three nuclear-powered submarines and was the commander of Submarine Forces Atlantic and Submarine Forces, US Pacific Fleet. The Boise and the larger US Navy shipbuilding and maintenance issues were major topics of conversation in Caudle's hearing. The Boise was originally launched in 1991 and conducted operations until early 2015, when it wrapped up its last patrol and docked at Naval Station Norfolk for scheduled repairs. Limited dry dock availability and workforce capacity left the Boise and its crew waiting. In 2016, the vessel lost its ability to perform unrestricted operations, and then it lost its dive certification in the following year. Those developments were then followed by more waiting, leaving the valuable combat asset out of action. In 2019, then- US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper visited the Boise and praised the crew for maintaining "readiness and lethality" as the vessel was still standing by for repairs. In February 2024, the Navy awarded prominent shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) a $1.2 billion contract to begin an engineering overhaul on the Boise. The work is expected to be completed by 2029, meaning the ship will not have set sail on a patrol for roughly 15 years by the time it's finished. That's a staggering waste of an expensive, front-line asset. Even when the work is done, the ship will be nearing the end of its service life. The Boise has thus emerged as an example of overstretched and under-resourced shipyards, insufficient planning, and the challenges of budget instabilities that affect Navy readiness. The sea service did not immediately respond to request for comment from Business Insider. Work on US nuclear-powered submarines is typically handled by one of the Navy's four public shipyards, which have seen dramatic demands in recent decades due to a lack of investment in maintenance from the Navy and the increased complexity of the subs and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, Bryan Clark, a retired Navy submarine officer and defense expert at the Hudson Institute, told Business Insider. A "combination of factors created a huge backlog at the shipyards," Clark said. The long tail of COVID-19 disruptions, particularly for supply chains and labor pools, added strain to Navy shipyards in the early 2020s. In more recent years, experts have pointed to persistent workforce shortages, uneven investment, and inconsistent Navy planning as critical causes of ongoing delays in major shipbuilding programs and maintenance backlogs. The Navy's long-standing struggles with routine maintenance stretch back decades, with challenges including persistent shipyard bottlenecks, limited dry dock availability, troubling scheduling missteps, workforce shortages, unreliable or inconsistent maintenance data, and unforeseen issues that tend to emerge during repairs and cause significant delays. Supply chain problems and shortages of spare parts and critical materials have also added to the strain. These issues, combined with broader weaknesses in the Navy's shipbuilding enterprise, have raised concerns within the service and on Capitol Hill about the fleet's size and overall readiness, particularly as the US emphasizes the need to deter or, if necessary, fight a potential conflict with a major power like China, which has far greater shipbuilding and repair capacity.
Miami Herald
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Sends Nuclear Submarine to Pacific Fleet Amid China Threat
The United States redeployed a second nuclear-powered submarine-capable of launching long-range Tomahawk missiles-from the East Coast to Hawaii this month, as it moves to position its most-capable units in the Indo-Pacific in response to China's naval buildup. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. China has expanded its military presence-particularly its navy-across the Western Pacific in recent years, raising alarms among the U.S. and its regional allies. It has also built up a large missile arsenal capable of striking Japan, including U.S. military bases located there. Japan-a key element of the U.S. island chain strategy to contain China in the Western Pacific-has been bolstering its defenses against potential Chinese aggression by upgrading its ship-killing weapons and acquiring advanced warships capable of intercepting missiles. In response to China's growing military threat, the Pentagon has bolstered its force posture in the Western Pacific. This includes the deployment of an aircraft carrier equipped with stealth fighter jets and a land-based missile system capable of conducting long-range strikes. Some of America's nuclear-powered, conventionally armed fast-attack submarines serve with the Pacific Fleet and are stationed in Washington, California, Hawaii, and Guam-the latter, the closest to China and a key military hub, has hosted five submarines since last November. The submarine USS Indiana reached its new home port, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, on Tuesday after departing its previous base in Groton, Connecticut. It now serves as the third Virginia-class fast-attack submarine assigned to the Submarine Squadron 7. The Pearl Harbor-based submarine squadron now provides "training, material, and personnel readiness support" to a total of seven fast-attack submarines-three Virginia-class and four Los Angeles-class-according to a press release from the U.S. Pacific Submarine Force. Prior to the arrival of the Indiana, the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Toledocompleted a change of home port on July 12, arriving in Hawaii. This made the former Connecticut-based vessel the fourth Los Angeles-class submarine assigned to the Submarine Squadron 7. In addition to the Virginia-class and the Los Angeles-class, the U.S. Navy operates three fast-attack submarines of the Seawolf-class, which are based in Bremerton and Bangor, Washington. Commissioned in 2018, the Indiana is the 16th Virginia-class submarine. Unlike some of its older sister ships, it features two large payload tubes-each capable of firing six Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 miles-in place of 12 individual vertical launch tubes. The submarine concluded its last overseas mission on March 27, returning from a six-month deployment in the U.S. European Command's area of responsibility-which includes all of Europe, Turkey, Russia, and the South Caucasus-a map provided by the command shows. The U.S. Navy says fast-attack submarines are tasked with seeking and destroying enemy naval vessels, projecting power from sea to shore using missiles and special operations forces, and conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, said in a press release on Tuesday: "Over the past 10 months, Indiana's crew has expertly navigated the challenges of an operational deployment and a homeport shift … I'm excited for Indiana to join the Pacific Submarine Force and to bolster our submarine presence to maintain a secure and prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific." U.S. Navy Commander Kyle Johnson, commanding officer of USS Indiana, said in a press release on Tuesday: "We look forward to working with Submarine Squadron 7 and our Pearl Harbor partners to prepare Indiana-the 'Battle Bass'-for any tasking, at any time, in defense of our nation." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Navy will deploy additional ships and submarines to the Pacific-particularly to Hawaii, Guam, and its forward-deployed fleet in Japan. Related Articles Triple Murderer Among Americans Repatriated by Trump From Venezuela in Prisoner SwapIran Issues Spy WarningMap Shows Most 'Cultured' Major Cities in USIran's President Issues Threat 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Sends Nuclear Submarine to Pacific Fleet Amid China Threat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States redeployed a second nuclear-powered submarine—capable of launching long-range Tomahawk missiles—from the East Coast to Hawaii this month, as it moves to position its most-capable units in the Indo-Pacific in response to China's naval buildup. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters China has expanded its military presence—particularly its navy—across the Western Pacific in recent years, raising alarms among the U.S. and its regional allies. It has also built up a large missile arsenal capable of striking Japan, including U.S. military bases located there. Japan—a key element of the U.S. island chain strategy to contain China in the Western Pacific—has been bolstering its defenses against potential Chinese aggression by upgrading its ship-killing weapons and acquiring advanced warships capable of intercepting missiles. What To Know In response to China's growing military threat, the Pentagon has bolstered its force posture in the Western Pacific. This includes the deployment of an aircraft carrier equipped with stealth fighter jets and a land-based missile system capable of conducting long-range strikes. Some of America's nuclear-powered, conventionally armed fast-attack submarines serve with the Pacific Fleet and are stationed in Washington, California, Hawaii, and Guam—the latter, the closest to China and a key military hub, has hosted five submarines since last November. The submarine USS Indiana reached its new home port, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, on Tuesday after departing its previous base in Groton, Connecticut. It now serves as the third Virginia-class fast-attack submarine assigned to the Submarine Squadron 7. The Pearl Harbor-based submarine squadron now provides "training, material, and personnel readiness support" to a total of seven fast-attack submarines—three Virginia-class and four Los Angeles-class—according to a press release from the U.S. Pacific Submarine Force. Prior to the arrival of the Indiana, the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Toledo completed a change of home port on July 12, arriving in Hawaii. This made the former Connecticut-based vessel the fourth Los Angeles-class submarine assigned to the Submarine Squadron 7. The United States "Virginia"-class fast-attack submarine USS "Indiana" arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 22, 2025. The United States "Virginia"-class fast-attack submarine USS "Indiana" arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 22, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy In addition to the Virginia-class and the Los Angeles-class, the U.S. Navy operates three fast-attack submarines of the Seawolf-class, which are based in Bremerton and Bangor, Washington. Commissioned in 2018, the Indiana is the 16th Virginia-class submarine. Unlike some of its older sister ships, it features two large payload tubes—each capable of firing six Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 miles—in place of 12 individual vertical launch tubes. The submarine concluded its last overseas mission on March 27, returning from a six-month deployment in the U.S. European Command's area of responsibility—which includes all of Europe, Turkey, Russia, and the South Caucasus—a map provided by the command shows. The U.S. Navy says fast-attack submarines are tasked with seeking and destroying enemy naval vessels, projecting power from sea to shore using missiles and special operations forces, and conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. What People Are Saying U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, said in a press release on Tuesday: "Over the past 10 months, Indiana's crew has expertly navigated the challenges of an operational deployment and a homeport shift … I'm excited for Indiana to join the Pacific Submarine Force and to bolster our submarine presence to maintain a secure and prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific." U.S. Navy Commander Kyle Johnson, commanding officer of USS Indiana, said in a press release on Tuesday: "We look forward to working with Submarine Squadron 7 and our Pearl Harbor partners to prepare Indiana—the 'Battle Bass'—for any tasking, at any time, in defense of our nation." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Navy will deploy additional ships and submarines to the Pacific—particularly to Hawaii, Guam, and its forward-deployed fleet in Japan.
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Fast-Attack Submarine Joins US Pacific Fleet
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A United States fast-attack submarine has joined the Pacific Fleet following refurbishment and modernization as the Pentagon faces growing naval challenges from its rival, China. U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, the commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, said USS Toledo joined his unit as what he described as a "tested and capable submarine." Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters China possesses the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels, including a fleet of 60 submarines powered by either nuclear or diesel-electric propulsion. The Chinese navy plays a key role in expanding the country's military reach and presence in the Pacific. The U.S. has deployed its nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines across the Pacific to help preserve its naval dominance in the region amid the growing threat from China, including five submarines homeported in Guam—a key U.S. military hub in the western Pacific. The U.S. Navy operates three classes of fast-attack submarines—the Los Angeles-class, Seawolf-class and Virginia-class—designed to destroy enemy naval vessels and project power ashore through the use of Tomahawk missiles and special operations forces. What To Know The U.S. Pacific Submarine Force announced on Monday that the Toledo—a Los Angeles-class submarine—arrived at its new home port, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, on July 12, joining the Submarine Squadron 7 as its fourth Los Angeles-class submarine. The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 12. The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 12. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy According to the Navy, the Hawaii-based squadron provides "training, material, and personnel readiness support" to a total of six fast-attack submarines—two Virginia-class and four Los Angeles-class vessels. The Toledo, capable of firing missiles and torpedoes, previously served as one of the East Coast-based submarines, homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut. It moved to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia in January 2021 for repair and overhaul. The submarine completed its repair and overhaul—a process known as an Engineered Overhaul aimed at extending its operational life—and returned to the Navy on April 19. "Our crew looks forward to the new chapter for Toledo and the opportunities while operating throughout the Indo-Pacific," said Commander Dustin Kraemer, the commanding officer of the Toledo. The submarine's crew consists of about 12 officers and 98 enlisted sailors. The Toledo is capable of supporting a wide range of missions—including anti-submarine, anti-surface and strike warfare as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance—making it one of the world's most capable submarines, the Pacific Submarine Force said. The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo docked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia on May 15, 2024. The United States Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo docked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia on May 15, 2024. Shelby West/Norfolk Naval Shipyard What People Are Saying U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh, the commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, said in a news release on Monday: "The Toledo team has demonstrated professionalism and commitment in completing their extended maintenance and getting the ship back to sea." U.S. Navy Captain Corey Poorman, the commander of the Submarine Squadron 7, said in a news release on Monday: "Our team looks forward to continuing the training and certification of Toledo's crew in defense of our nation and its allies and partners." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the Pentagon will deploy and homeport additional ships and submarines in the Pacific amid China's rapid expansion of its naval fleet and activities.
Business Insider
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
A US Navy nuclear-powered attack submarine just made an unprecedented stop. A top admiral says it sent a message.
A US Navy nuclear-powered attack submarine stopped in Iceland for the first time on Wednesday. A top admiral told Business Insider that the unprecedented port call sent a message to American foes. The first-of-its-kind visit to the Nordic island nation by the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News comes as the US and NATO allies look with increasing concern at the growing Russian military activity across the Arctic and High North. Adm. Stuart Munsch, the commander of US Naval Forces Europe-Africa, said there is value in having different options throughout the region where American submarines can make port visits. Speaking to BI in a phone interview from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, Munsch said the submarine port call is "also important for the strategic signal it sends to adversaries about our presence in the area" and for the reassurance it provides to US allies. The US views Iceland as a centerpiece within its Arctic strategy due to its strategic location. The country joined NATO as a founding member in 1949, but unlike other members of the alliance, it does not have a military. It, however, hosted Western troops during the Cold War, including a major American presence. "The US, for many decades, maintained a naval air base here," the admiral said of Iceland, and relied on assets stationed in the country "to track Soviet submarine operations, then Russian submarine operations." Munsch said "it's important to us to have additional options for where we can make strong port calls" and maintain a strong presence in the region that stretches from Greenland to Iceland and the United Kingdom. That's a key point made in the Pentagon's 2024 Arctic Strategy. While the strategy outlines Russia's increasing military and economic interest in the Arctic, it also draws attention to China's efforts to expand its influence in the region. The US sees Iceland as a key element of its security and deterrence efforts, as these two US rivals seek to project power into the strategic area. Erin Sawyer, chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Iceland, said in a statement Wednesday that Washington and Reykjavik "maintain the shared goal of low tension in the Arctic, with full awareness of Russia's efforts to build its military presence in the region." The Navy has been working with the Icelandic government for years, but mainly from a distance. For instance, an American vessel would pull up off the coast and maybe change out personnel or bring aboard supplies. In 2023, Iceland welcomed the first US nuclear-powered sub into its territorial waters. But Newport News' arrival in port this week — tied up to a pier and sending crew members ashore — marks a new moment in the relationship, Munsch said. Just over 40 Los Angeles-class submarines are in active service, making up a significant portion of the Navy's fast-attack submarine fleet. Newer Virginia-class vessels have, however, taken on an increasingly central role. USS Newport News, a late-1980s Los Angeles-class sub, is armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and torpedoes and has conducted missions around the globe. US undersea capabilities are considered a cornerstone of American naval power. "The submarine force has been operating globally for many decades now," Munsch said, "and there's really no region that we have ever ceded to anyone else."
