The United States Navy is desperately working to replace the aging Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines that have plumbed the depths of the world’s oceans, ready to initiate a second strike with nuclear weapons if the United States were ever attacked first.

The Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines are to be the advanced replacements for the aging Ohio-class submarines. The Navy intends to produce 12 vessels to be the vanguard of America’s sea-based nuclear weapons capability. 

Thus far, the first ship in the series, the USS District of Columbia (SSBN 826), is projected to enter service by 2031. After that, the USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) has already had its keel laid and is slated for commissioning later the same year. 

All Columbia-class nuclear submarines will run off the S1B nuclear reactor. These new SSBNs are believed to be stealthier than their Ohio-class predecessors, and possess a superior sensor suite.

The Columbia-class SSBN’s electric drive is believed to reduce its cost and acoustic signature when compared to the older Ohio-class” Boomers.” The submarine’s

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