Hartford, CT – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) issued the following statement applauding news today that the U.S. Navy has approved development of 12 Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines at Electric Boat. The approval is a major milestone towards final production of the new Columbia- class of submarines, which will replace the Ohio-class submarines.

“This step puts the program on a clear path forward. Electric Boat produces hands down the best submarines in the world. It is great news for Connecticut and our national defense that work is proceeding for the detailed design of our nation’s next generation of Connecticut-made ballistic missile submarines. The Columbia-class submarines play a vital role in strategic deterrence overseas, and our brave warfighters rely on Electric Boat’s unparalleled engineering and technology in these critical missions. We will continue to lead the call in Congress for full funding Columbia-class replacement work, as well as for full, robust funding for Connecticut-built helicopters and strike fighters, which are equally vital to Connecticut’s economy and our national defense,” Blumenthal and Murphy said.

Blumenthal led efforts in the Senate last year to allow $773.1 million in new funding for Electric Boat to begin advance work on the lead boat for the Columbia-class. Murphy joined Blumenthal and worked on the Appropriations Committee to secure a crucial anomaly that allowed the Electric Boat to continue work and the Navy to move forward on awarding the Milestone B contract.

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