Category Archives: Submarine Forces

Continuing Resolution Includes Funds for New Columbia-class Submarine

Continuing Resolution Includes Funds for New Columbia-class Submarine

An undated artist’s rendering of the planned Columbia-class submarine. Naval Sea Systems Command Image

The last-second funding measure that will fund the government until mid-November secures $621 million to ensure the start of construction for the second Columbia-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine but leaves several other programs in limbo. Read More

Navy to Drug Test SEALs for Performance Enhancing Drugs

Navy to Drug Test SEALs for Performance Enhancing Drugs

Navy SEAL candidates walk into the Pacific Ocean for surf immersion during the ‘Hell Week’ crucible of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif., on on July 11, 2023. US Navy Photo

Naval Special Warfare Command will begin forcewide, random urinalysis testing for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) starting Nov. 1, officials announced today. Read More

Pentagon Releases Suicide Recommendations 'Subject to Availability of Funding'

Pentagon Releases Suicide Recommendations ‘Subject to Availability of Funding’

Sailors and Marines conduct a foreign object debris walk-down at dusk on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in 2009. US Navy Photo

The Pentagon will not address improvements to junior enlisted base housing, expanding transportation access for troops or changing on-base firearm purchase policy as part of its latest suicide prevention plan, Defense Department officials told reporters this week. Read More

DoD Acquisition Chief Seeking Regulatory ‘Nirvana’ in Crafting AUKUS Deal

DoD Acquisition Chief Seeking Regulatory ‘Nirvana’ in Crafting AUKUS Deal

Tugboats guide USS Minnesota (SSN-783) to the pier as the Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine returns to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., in 2021. US Navy Photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 1960s Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom that paved the way for commonality between the two countries’ ballistic missile submarines could serve as a successful model for the AUKUS pact, the Pentagon’s acquisition chief said today. Read More

Ukrainian Attacks on Black Sea Fleet Puts Russia on Defensive, U.K. MoD Says

Ukrainian Attacks on Black Sea Fleet Puts Russia on Defensive, U.K. MoD Says

Ukrainian strike on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea, on Sept. 22, 2023. Image via Telegram

A string of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in September have likely pushed Russia into a more reactive position, while potentially taking out Russian leaders, the British Ministry of Defence said in a series of social media posts Tuesday morning. Read More

Ballistic Missile Submarine USS Alabama CO Removed from Command

Ballistic Missile Submarine USS Alabama CO Removed from Command

A support vessel transfers crew and equipment to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN-731) during an at-sea exchange of crew, held recently off the coast of Washington IN 2022. US Navy Photo

The commander of Submarine Group 9 relieved the commanding officer of the nuclear ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN-731), the Navy announced Monday. Read More