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Navy Ships: Status of SSN-21 Ship Construction Program

NSIAD-90-163 Published: Apr 19, 1990. Publicly Released: Apr 19, 1990.
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Highlights

GAO reviewed the Navy's Seawolf Attack Submarine (SSN-21) construction program, focusing on: (1) the program's status; (2) SSN-21 performance capabilities; and (3) the Navy's ability to maintain the SSN-21 force structure.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Navy to either: (1) ensure that SSN-21 and its combat system undergo operational testing and evaluation before proceeding past low-rate initial production, as required in the law; or (2) seek legislative relief that would change the law to either exempt shipbuilding in general or the SSN-21 program specifically.
Closed – Implemented
Congress changed the law to specify low-rate initial production of naval vessels, 10 U.S.C. 2400(c).

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Weapons systemsConstruction (process)Construction contractsCost analysisCost overrunsDefense capabilitiesNaval procurementNuclear armed submarinesTestingWeapons research and development