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Bow of Lead Columbia-Class Sub Heads to Electric Boat for Final Assembly

A $2.3 billion funding action seeks to sustain long‑lead work during a roughly yearlong schedule slip.

An artist rendering of the future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.

Overview

  • The bow section of USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) left Newport News Shipbuilding this week on a barge bound for General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, according to confirmations from the Navy and HII.
  • A Navy spokesperson said the shipment completes most Newport News work on the lead boat and that, with all major modules at Electric Boat, the submarine will begin final assembly and testing.
  • General Dynamics Electric Boat’s chief executive said in October the boat was about 60% complete and projected all major modules would be at Groton by year’s end.
  • Delivery of the first-in-class submarine remains planned for Fiscal Year 2028, though the schedule is roughly 12 to 16 months behind after delays tied to the bow and to Northrop Grumman‑built steam turbines.
  • The Pentagon approved a $2.3 billion modification to Electric Boat earlier this month to accelerate procurement and construction for five submarines and preserve the build cadence for the 12-ship program.