After decades of building three or more submarines annually, there have been no construction starts since 1991. It is generally believed that the current fleet of Los Angeles-class attack submarines is big enough to meet U.S. security needs for many years. Superficially, it may seem appropriate, especially given budgetary constraints, to suspend submarine production for a period of time. At some point in the future, however, it will be necessary to build more submarines to replace the Los Angeles-class ships as they age and can no longer be operated at high standards of safety and reliability. Initiating such a construction program from scratch will involve serious challenges.
Nuclear submarines are among the most complex structures built by man.
Not only must they survive and function underwater for long periods of time in a hostile environment, they contain a nuclear reactor in immediate proximity to the crew. Nonetheless, U.S. nuclear submarines have demonstrated their reliability in diverse conflict situations while maintaining an impressive safety record over the years. The most recently started submarine is now three years into construction. Shipyard workers and vendors of components needed only in the initial phase of construction are already dispersing or preparing to exit the business. More will leave as time goes on and the industry shuts down in phases.