There may be some truth in the article - but don't expect the US to go AIP. AIP is a great leap forward from the old diesel electrics - but they still lack the flexibility of a true nuc. The US will maintain its blue water capability with nucs - no need to invest in AIP tech when it offers us less ability. The only way I see AIP going into US subs, is if it first generation stuff as a backup in case they have to scrub off.

With the mines closing or trimming staff, I have heard on the grapevine that there has been a lot of applications to rejoin the navy from ones who have left, and many who are giving it a thought for the first time