USS Wisconsin Construction Marks Major Milestone in U.S. Strategic Nuclear Deterrent Modernization

August 27, 2025 – Quonset Point, Rhode Island — General Dynamics Electric Boat officially commenced construction on the USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827), the second Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, at their Quonset Point shipyard. This milestone represents a significant stride forward in modernizing America’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, a cornerstone of national security and arguably the most complex shipbuilding program currently underway within the U.S. Navy.

The keel laying ceremony, a time-honored naval tradition marking the formal start of physical construction, featured the welding of the ship sponsor’s initials onto a steel plate embedded in the submarine’s hull. This symbolic act comes after years of meticulous design and engineering, signaling the transition from planning to tangible progress on this vital warship.

Next-Generation Deterrence: Replacing the Ohio-Class

The Columbia-class submarines are slated to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet, which has formed the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrent since the 1980s. Beginning in 2027, Ohio-class boats will be retired at roughly one per year, underscoring the urgency of bringing Columbia-class vessels into service to prevent any capability gaps. The Navy’s strategic doctrine hinges on maintaining a continuous at-sea deterrent with a credible, survivable second-strike capability—an objective the Columbia-class is explicitly designed to fulfill.

Unmatched Size and Firepower

At approximately 171 meters (560 feet) long and 13 meters (43 feet) wide, each Columbia-class submarine is the largest ever built by the U.S. The fully submerged displacement nears 22,000 tons, providing ample space for 16 Trident II D5LE submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). These missiles remain among the world’s most advanced strategic nuclear weapons, ensuring precise and reliable global strike capabilities. In addition to the missiles, the submarines carry Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes to counter surface and underwater threats.

Revolutionary Propulsion Technology

One of the Columbia-class’s standout innovations lies in its propulsion system. Powered by the new S1B nuclear reactor, these submarines will operate for their entire 42-year lifespan without needing a mid-life refueling—a significant advancement over the Ohio-class, which requires lengthy and costly reactor overhauls. This translates into more operational availability and extended deterrent patrols.

The propulsion design uses a turbo-electric drive system: the nuclear reactor generates steam to drive turbines connected to generators, which supply electricity to a permanent magnet motor that powers a pump-jet propulsor. This arrangement eliminates traditional mechanical reduction gears, dramatically reducing noise and enhancing stealth—crucial for maintaining undetectability in contested waters.

Advanced Design for Enhanced Stealth and Maneuverability

Beyond propulsion, the Columbia-class incorporates numerous features to boost survivability and operational effectiveness. Its X-shaped stern planes improve maneuverability, particularly at slow speeds or near the seafloor, while dive planes on the sail provide enhanced hydrodynamic control. The hull is coated with anechoic tiles that absorb sonar waves, further minimizing the submarine’s acoustic signature.

The onboard combat system integrates the Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical System (SWFTS), unifying sonar, imaging, and fire control capabilities. A Large Aperture Bow sonar array, adapted from the Virginia-class attack submarines, equips the Columbia-class with superior target detection and tracking.

A Nationwide Industrial Endeavor

Constructing the Columbia-class fleet is a massive industrial undertaking involving thousands of suppliers across the U.S. General Dynamics Electric Boat handles about 78% of the work, while Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding completes the remainder. The modular construction process includes fabricating pressure hull sections at Quonset Point, outfitting them vertically, then rotating and integrating these modules at assembly facilities in Groton, Connecticut, and Newport News.

This effort sustains over 3,000 suppliers nationwide, with around 300 companies located in Wisconsin alone, emphasizing the program’s broad economic impact. Workforce development is central, with hundreds of welders trained annually and collaborative robotics boosting efficiency—though human oversight remains essential to maintain quality and safety.

Significant Investments and Budget Considerations

The Department of Defense and Navy have committed over $2.2 billion toward upgrading shipbuilding infrastructure, including a $1.4 billion modernization of the Groton yard and an $860 million expansion at Quonset Point. These improvements not only support Columbia-class production but also related programs like the Virginia Payload Module.

The Navy’s FY2026 budget requests more than $10 billion for Columbia-class procurement and associated activities. The total cost for all twelve planned submarines currently stands at approximately $132 billion, reflecting the program’s scope and the advanced technologies involved. Despite delays from supply chain issues and workforce scale-up, the Navy remains focused on meeting critical milestones.

Legacy and Future Impact

The USS Wisconsin continues a proud naval tradition, bearing the name of two previous ships that served with distinction during major 20th-century conflicts. Its construction and eventual commissioning—expected in 2031 with a christening planned for 2029—symbolize not only technological achievement but also the deep ties between the Navy and American communities.

As the backbone of the nation’s strategic nuclear triad, the Columbia-class submarines will ensure the U.S. maintains a reliable, credible, and survivable deterrent well into the latter half of the 21st century. In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the successful deployment of the USS Wisconsin and her sister ships will remain critical to national and global security.