U.S. Sub Program Update
 

I received this message today from Rob Wittman, one of Virginia's Congressmen:


"Friend-

Yesterday, I had the honor to give remarks at the virtual Naval Submarine League Annual Symposium and Industry Update to provide insight on where Congress stands in relation to our undersea fleet.


As many folks are aware regarding the shipbuilding account, the major items for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Defense Appropriations is funding the second Virginia-Class submarine and keeping the Columbia-class program on track.


We absolutely must get the Columbia program right, with the Ohio-class retiring, we cannot afford any major slip-ups. Failure to deliver this updated leg of our nuclear triad within the required timeframe will result in a destabilization of the nuclear deterrence calculus that has kept our homeland safe. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia with ASN RD&A James Guerts several weeks ago to observe progress on this program. I have been pleased with the progress and support this program has received, and I look forward to continuing to support this critical capability.


As for our attack submarines, just weeks ago, then-SecDef Esper gave us a preview of Battle Force 2045 and stated: “If we do nothing else, the Navy must begin building three Virginia-class submarines a year, as soon as possible,” essentially signaling this as the greatest need for the Battle Force 2045 plan. We should fully fund the second Virginia-class this year to ensure we are maximizing our undersea advantage as we move into future budget cycles. I will continue to advocate for this program and additional funding for our shipbuilding needs.


In that same vein, when looking to our future undersea fleet, one cannot overlook the work that needs to be done regarding our public shipyards. Fortunately, I believe we are making progress in this regard, and to make sure we continue to have progress, I will be paying close attention to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP): We need to make sure this plan is funded appropriately moving forward.


Simply put, our undersea capabilities are our biggest asymmetrical advantage over China. We must exploit this advantage to the maximum. While we have far to go in getting our undersea fleet to where it needs to be, I cannot express the immense sense of gratitude I have in working towards this goal in my role on the House Armed Services Committee. Industry, the Navy, and Congress must now all pick up the shovel and get to work on making this a reality.

Sincerely,
Rob"

Thanks for sharing this letter.:up: It would be difficult to argue over anything in this letter.

Pray for the men that will build them and man them :yep:

Some of them are only 10 years old right now :o