USS Connecticut To Resume Service By Late 2026

The Navy is prioritizing the return of USS Connecticut, a vital Seawolf class submarine, by late 2026.

USS Connecticut To Return To Service After Major Repairs

USS Connecticut, one of the U.S. Navy's Seawolf class nuclear attack submarines, is expected to reenter service by late 2026 after sustaining significant damage from a collision in 2021. Currently at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for extensive repairs, the submarine's repair timeline has been extended, shifting from an initial expectation of a 2025 return. Issues arose after a Navy investigation flagged command failures as contributing factors to the incident. The shipyard work includes a full inspection and maintenance cycle, also termed Extended Docking Selected Restricted Availability.

The lengthy repair duration for USS Connecticut highlights ongoing challenges facing the U.S. Navy in maintaining its fleet. With just three submarines in the Seawolf class, and no spare parts readily available due to the class's discontinued production, the incident underscores vulnerabilities in U.S. naval capabilities. As China's naval strength grows, these delays may be troubling for defense strategy and operational readiness, raising concerns about the Navy's long-term sustainability in advanced maritime operations.

Highlights

The successful return of USS Connecticut is crucial in maintaining the balance of naval power.