A continuing resolution would cause delays for the Columbia-class submarine programme. (US Navy)
A potential six-month funding continuing resolution (CR) would freeze and threaten US Navy (USN) and US Marine Corps (USMC) spending on key programmes, according to USN Secretary Carlos Del Toro.
“This lengthy delay in new funding would force the Department of the Navy (DoN) to operate at last year's funding levels with the negative consequences lasting far beyond the timeframe of the CR, impeding our ability to field the force needed to defend our nation while imposing unnecessary stress on our sailors, marines, civilians, and their families,” Del Toro said in a letter to California Congressman Ken Calvert, defence subcommittee chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, released on 16 September.
Del Toro cited some of “the most consequential” impacts of such a CR.
“Delays in the Virginia-class submarine will impact submarine deliveries and future force structure availabilities, which are already running over cost and behind schedule. A CR risks setting back the programme even further,” he noted.
He also said there is a risk of “further delaying delivery of Columbia-class submarine due to postponed construction and result in future cost increases”.
He said, “A six-month CR risks delaying critical investments in the submarine industrial base and the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) partnership.”
The USN recently reported achieving AUKUS milestones. For more information, please seeUS, Australia complete Pillar 1 AUKUS submarine maintenance milestone .
There is an additional risk of “restriction of cost-to-complete funding for prior year shipbuilding programmes including [aircraft carrier] CVN 74 [USS John C Stennis] refuelling, resulting in maintenance delays and potential cost increases”, he said.
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