The new Bush administration is expected to decide in 2001 whether to convert four Bangor subs or turn them into scrap metal. The four subs, USS Ohio, USS Florida, USS Michigan and USS Georgia, face decommissioning beginning in 2003. Though the subs are designed to last years longer, the time to refuel their nuclear reactors is fast approaching. The Navy would prefer to refuel and convert the subs into stealth battleships that could launch conventionally armed Tomahawk cruise missiles and carry special forces teams.
Most experts agree funding to start the conversion needs to be requested in the coming months.
The decision, in addition to its military effect, will have a significant impact on the Kitsap County economy, the number of sailors based at Naval Submarine Base Bangor and the workload at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. If the four subs are scrapped, Bangor, which now is home to eight Tridents, stands to lose one or two subs. But Kings Bay leaders would like to see eight subs in Georgia and six at Bangor. Each sub lost also means the loss of two 150-man crews and their families, with the resulting impact on Kitsap County businesses and school enrollments. The Navy has not said where the subs would be based if they were converted, though one scenario would place two subs at Bangor and two at Kings Bay.