Future of the Seawolf Class

Watching yesterday's Connecticut presentation to the BRAC commission, I was interested to hear John Markowitz mention that there are rumors that the three Seawolf-class submarines homeported in Groton could all soon move to Bangor, Washington. Everyone knew that USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) is moving there later this year, but there's been no official mention of a possible move for the other two boats of the class. To be honest, this move makes a lot of sense. With the Seawolf class being a three ship flight, and with all the repair parts that are unique to the Seawolfs, having all three in one homeport is the right way to do it. Not only does it move the most capable attack submarines in the world closer to the potential flashpoints of North Korea and China, it also allows the supply chain to be streamlined. And, although the Navy will never admit it, it makes it easier to cannibalize parts from the two older boats to make sure that Carter can get to sea when she needs to.

Going deep...