Columbia Class Submarine Improves Versatility, Endurance, and Stealth of the Triad

Among the three legs of the triad, the U.S. Navy’s ballistic missile submarines are the most survivable and the hardest to detect. Their advanced nuclear propulsion and sound-dampening technology allow them to sail silently anywhere in the world. However, the current fleet of Ohio Class submarines is nearing the end of its lifespan, and the new Columbia Class is in the works to begin replacing Ohio Class submarines as early as 2031 and serve into the 2080s. The Cipher Brief spoke to retired Admiral Jonathan Greenert, former chief of naval operations, about why the Navy’s ballistic missile submarines remain crucial to U.S. national security and what makes the Columbia Class the quietest and most versatile submarine in the world.

The Cipher Brief: What will be the role of the Columbia-class submarines for U.S. national security?