Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

Navy Inactivates USS Boise to Refocus Submarine Funds and Workforce

The move signals a shift to prioritize new-build submarines over protracted overhauls.

NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 23, 2008) – The Los-Angeles class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) returns to Norfolk following her regularly scheduled deployment. While deployed, Boise participated in five anti-submarine warfare exercises with several European Allies and performed two missions that supported Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet objectives and national security interests of the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer / Released)
USS Boise (SSN 764) enters Souda Bay, Greece, during a scheduled port visit Dec. 23, 2014. Boise, a Los Angeles-class submarine, homeported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeffrey M. Richardson/Released)

Overview

  • The Navy will inactivate the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise to end a long-stalled overhaul and redirect money, dock space, and skilled workers to higher-priority programs.
  • Leaders said about $800 million has produced only 22% of the planned repair work, and finishing Boise would likely require another $1.9 billion.
  • Boise has not deployed since 2015 and has been at HII’s Newport News Shipyard since 2018, where a major refit began in 2024.
  • Secretary of the Navy John Phelan acknowledged missteps in managing the project, saying “We screwed up,” and the service did not provide a decommissioning timeline.
  • Officials framed the decision as aligning with the FY2027 plan to speed Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, with the president seeking $65 billion for shipbuilding that includes two Virginias and one Columbia.