In a monumental stride for America’s naval prowess and strategic defense, the United States Navy has officially kicked off the construction of its second Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, the USS Wisconsin (SSBN-827). This groundbreaking event marks a pivotal moment in modern military history, as the Columbia-class represents the pinnacle of underwater engineering and nuclear deterrence technology. With tensions simmering on the global stage, from geopolitical rivalries in the Indo-Pacific to evolving threats in Europe and the Middle East, the initiation of this massive vessel’s build underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining an unassailable edge in strategic submarine capabilities. Let’s dive deep into the details of this development, exploring its historical context, technical specifications, strategic importance, and the broader implications for national security and international relations.
A Ceremonial Milestone: The Keel-Laying Ceremony
The formal start of construction for the USS Wisconsin took place on August 27, 2025, at General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island. The date was no coincidence—it aligned perfectly with the submarine’s hull number, 827, symbolizing a nod to naval tradition and precision. During the keel-laying ceremony, Ship Sponsor Dr. Kelly Geurts, wife of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition Nickolas Guertin, authenticated the keel by welding her initials onto a steel plate. She was assisted by veteran Electric Boat welder Robert Ray Jr., who boasts an impressive 49 years of service at the yard. This symbolic act, while not involving a traditional keel in modern submarine design, represents the “backbone” from which the entire vessel will grow. Admiral William Houston, Director of Naval Reactors, emphasized this during the event, noting that the authenticated plate will be permanently affixed within the hull as a point of origin.
The ceremony wasn’t confined to Rhode Island; it bridged the nation by including virtual watch parties in Wisconsin itself. Locations such as the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc and the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior allowed residents to partake in the excitement, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the state’s storied maritime heritage. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers even issued a proclamation honoring the occasion, highlighting the Badger State’s long-standing contributions to naval shipbuilding and defense. Attendees at the event, including shipbuilders, Navy officials, and state representatives, underscored the submarine’s role in America’s nuclear triad—the land, air, and sea-based components of the nation’s strategic deterrent.
Honoring a Legacy: The History Behind the Name
The USS Wisconsin is the third U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the 30th state, continuing a legacy that spans over a century. The first was the battleship BB-9, commissioned in 1901, which served primarily as a training ship during World War I before being scrapped in the 1920s. The second, the iconic Iowa-class battleship BB-64, was commissioned in 1944 and saw action in the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Korean War, and even the Gulf War in 1991. Decommissioned that same year, BB-64 now serves as a museum ship in Norfolk, Virginia, educating visitors about its heroic past.
This new iteration shifts from surface warfare to stealthy underwater operations, embodying the evolution of naval strategy in the nuclear age. Announced on October 28, 2020, by the Secretary of the Navy, the naming of SSBN-827 as USS Wisconsin pays homage to the state’s industrial might and its residents’ contributions to national defense. Speakers at the ceremony drew parallels between Wisconsin’s shipbuilding history—such as the submarines built in Manitowoc during World War II—and the current Columbia-class program, reinforcing the emotional and historical ties.
Engineering Marvel: Specifications and Innovations of the Columbia-Class
The Columbia-class submarines are set to be the largest ever constructed by the United States, dwarfing their predecessors in size, capability, and stealth. Measuring an astounding 171 meters (560 feet) in length with a beam of 13 meters (43 feet), the USS Wisconsin will have a submerged displacement of approximately 20,810 long tons—equivalent to about 22,000 tons. This colossal scale allows for enhanced endurance, payload capacity, and crew accommodations, ensuring operational effectiveness in the most demanding environments.
At the heart of its power is the S1B nuclear reactor, a cutting-edge design that eliminates the need for mid-life refueling. Unlike the Ohio-class submarines it will replace, which require costly and time-consuming refueling overhauls, the Columbia-class is engineered for a 42-year service life with continuous operation. This innovation is projected to enable each boat to complete up to 124 deterrent patrols, maximizing availability and reducing lifecycle costs. Propulsion comes via a turbo-electric system, where the reactor drives turbogenerators that power a permanent-magnet motor connected to a pump-jet propulsor. This setup eliminates noisy reduction gears, significantly lowering acoustic signatures and making the submarine harder to detect—crucial for maintaining stealth in contested waters.
Armament-wise, the USS Wisconsin will pack a devastating punch, carrying 16 Trident II D5LE submarine-launched ballistic missiles, each capable of delivering multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) with nuclear warheads. Admiral Houston highlighted during the ceremony that a single Columbia-class submarine will carry more explosive firepower than was expended in all of World War II combined. For self-defense and tactical operations, it will be equipped with Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes. Advanced features include X-shaped stern planes for improved maneuverability, sail-mounted dive planes, anechoic coatings to absorb sonar waves, and the Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical System (SWFTS). This integrated suite consolidates sonar, imaging, and fire control functions, incorporating a Large Aperture Bow (LAB) sonar derived from the Virginia-class attack submarines.
Industrial Backbone: Construction Process and Economic Impact
The Columbia-class program exemplifies collaborative American industry at its finest. General Dynamics Electric Boat leads the effort, handling about 78% of the work, while Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding contributes 22-23%. Construction employs a modular approach: Pressure-hull cylinders are fabricated at Quonset Point, outfitted with internal systems like piping and tanks, then transported via the massive barge Holland (400 by 100 feet) to Groton, Connecticut, or Newport News for final assembly and integration.
This nationwide endeavor involves over 3,000 suppliers from all 50 states, including around 300 companies based in Wisconsin alone. Workforce expansion has been a key focus, with Electric Boat hiring approximately 5,000 new employees in recent years to meet the demands of the program. This not only bolsters the defense industrial base but also stimulates economic growth, creating high-skilled jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and technology sectors.
The lead boat, USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), began construction in June 2022, with full-class production ramping up to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet by the early 2030s. The entire class of 12 submarines is expected to enter service starting in 2031, ensuring seamless continuity in the U.S. nuclear deterrent posture.
Strategic Imperative: Why the Columbia-Class Matters Now More Than Ever
In an era of great-power competition, the Columbia-class submarines form the bedrock of America’s survivable second-strike capability, deterring potential adversaries from nuclear aggression. As the most stealthy leg of the nuclear triad, these vessels ensure that even in the face of a first strike, the U.S. can respond decisively. With rising challenges from nations like China and Russia modernizing their own submarine fleets, the timely delivery of the Columbia-class is non-negotiable for maintaining strategic stability.
Critics may point to the program’s staggering cost—estimated at over $100 billion for the fleet—but proponents argue it’s a necessary investment in peace through strength. The USS Wisconsin, as the second in line, builds on lessons from the lead ship, promising efficiencies and innovations that will define naval warfare for decades.
As construction progresses, the USS Wisconsin stands as a testament to American ingenuity, resilience, and resolve. Stay tuned for updates on this epic build— the future of global security is being forged beneath the waves.
