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The U.S. Navy recently flagged concerns over substandard welds in two of its newest Virginia-class submarines, the Hyman G. Rickover and the New Jersey. Similarly, the Navy has found welding issues in the aircraft carrier George Washington after its recent refurbishment. Fortunately, the Navy clarified that these weld defects do not compromise the ships’ safety or operational capabilities.
In a correspondence with the House Armed Services Committee, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro revealed that the welding problems affected ships like the George Washington and the newly built submarines Hyman G. Rickover and New Jersey. The issue stems from welders not properly following established welding procedures. However, Del Toro assured that naval experts confirmed the welds did not threaten critical systems, ensuring the vessels’ safety. He learned about the situation on September 24, and investigations are ongoing into welds on 23 other ships under construction or maintenance.
HII, the parent company of Newport News Shipbuilding, acknowledged last week that certain welders bypassed specific welding protocols when working on these military ships, but emphasized that there was no “malicious intent” behind their actions. HII stated that they immediately informed their clients and regulators and are collaborating with the Navy to address the issue. The Department of Justice is investigating, with Navy Secretary Del Toro expressing his readiness to fully cooperate as the Navy explores all legal avenues. Meanwhile, Congress remains vigilant, seeking detailed information about the breadth of this problem.
This week, perhaps coincidentally, the Department of Defense has awarded a substantial contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. Valued at nearly USD 244 million, this contract is designated for the supply of spare parts and specialized material for Virginia-class submarines.
Recently discovered substandard welds in some submarines, while not compromising critical systems, have sparked important discussions about the long-term integrity and functionality of these vessels. Naval experts have reassured us that the integrity and mission capability of these submarines remain unaffected. Naval Sea Systems Command [NAVSEA] technical assessments have confirmed that there’s no immediate risk to the crews or submarine operations.
However, looking into the future, these defects present a potential risk of accelerating wear or leading to structural weaknesses. Even non-essential welds might compromise the overall hull stability over time, especially when subjected to high pressure and extreme underwater conditions. If unresolved, these issues could escalate maintenance costs and necessitate earlier repairs. The Navy is taking proactive measures by inspecting another 23 ships to ensure these defects do not impact the long-term functionality and durability of the fleet.
The Virginia-class submarines are a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s fleet, celebrated for their cutting-edge technology and adaptability. With a displacement close to 7,800 tons and stretching to about 115 meters in length, these submarines boast remarkable flexibility and stealth capabilities. They run on a reactor that doesn’t need refueling throughout the vessel’s lifespan, granting them an unlimited range. Capable of a top underwater speed of around 25 knots, they dive to depths exceeding 240 meters. Armed with torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, Virginia-class submarines are adept at launching powerful strikes on both land and sea targets.
The U.S. defense apparatus leans heavily on Virginia-class submarines for their stealth and diverse mission capabilities across the world’s oceans. Their design enables operations in both deep and shallow waters, making them valuable in various military contexts. These submarines are instrumental in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and special forces’ amphibious operations. Their strategic significance is underscored by their capability to assert American influence in critical regions like the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic, where geopolitical challenges are on the rise.
Virginia-class submarines are versatile players, executing diverse missions from traditional engagements against enemy vessels to contemporary roles like cyber warfare and underwater intelligence gathering. They are also pivotal in supporting special operations, with the ability to transport and deploy SEAL forces into hostile territories. Their adaptability and technological prowess are essential in preserving the US’s global military dominance, while also offering a robust strategic defense in an ever-evolving global landscape.
American shipbuilding history has witnessed instances where inadequate welds on warships and submarines impacted their combat capabilities and performance. A notable case from the 1970s involved the USS Swordfish [SSN-579], part of the US Navy’s nuclear submarine fleet.
The weld issues emerged during routine inspections when defects were discovered in some of the hull welds. This forced the submarine into temporary non-operative status and necessitated extensive repairs to ensure both safety and combat effectiveness. While these challenges did not lead to serious accidents or loss of life, operations were delayed, prompting criticism of the shipbuilding quality control measures of that era.
Similarly, in 1985, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson [CVN-70] faced issues with substandard welds during its initial years after commissioning. Structural components were affected, resulting in costly and prolonged repair work.
Despite no severe incidents occurring due to these defects, they brought to light deficiencies in the shipyard’s quality assurance processes, which led to stricter regulations and oversight of welding practices in subsequent years. These cases underscore the critical need for high standards in shipbuilding, especially for vessels of strategic importance.
