Virginia-Class Submarines Late & Over Budget

Published Jul 15, 2004 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

Admiral Vern Clark, during hearings before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee last week, said that unanticipated labor issues at General Dynamics Electric Boat yard and "first of class construction issues" are to blame for the cost for SSN-774. Budget shortfalls are estimated at $42 million, and the delivery date has slipped from June to October 2004.

Similar issues have also beset SSN-775, but construction of this boat has been hampered by the fact that submarines have not been built at the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard in more than a decade. The total government project shortfall for this sub is estimated at $141.5 million, and the delivery date has been pushed back six months.