The U.S. Navy has created an office to manage the construction of Columbia-class submarine units. The Navy said Wednesday the Program Executive Office Columbia will assist the service branch to maintain resilient sea-based strategic deterrents through 2080.
The office will work hand in hand with the Naval Sea Systems Command’s In-Service Submarine Directorate and the Program Executive Office Submarines to support the design, creation, sustainment and other related activities for the Columbia vessels, U.K.’s Dreadnought program and the Strategic Systems initiative.
“PEO Columbia will work directly with resource sponsors, stakeholders, foreign partners, shipbuilders and suppliers to meet national priorities and deliver and sustain lethal capacity our warfighters need,†said James Geurts, assistant secretary for acquisition, research and development at the Navy.
Construction for the first Columbia-class submarine (SSBN 826) will commence in fiscal year 2021 and is set for delivery in fiscal 2028 prior to its planned deployment in 2031.