The U.S. nuclear submarine shipbuilding team, which includes Newport News Shipbuilding, has been awarded contracts for construction of Block VI Virginia-class and Build II Columbia-class submarines.

The contract modifications support the construction of five additional Columbia-class, nine additional Virginia-class submarines and other funding for shipyard infrastructure.

In the Virginia-class program, NNS will serve as the delivery yard for six of the planned submarines. In the Columbia-class program, NNS is a major shipbuilding partner, constructing and delivering six module sections per submarine.

“We are committed to building the nuclear-powered submarines that protect our nation,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “These contracts provide the American shipbuilding industrial base the opportunity to demonstrate that commitment in a meaningful way and we are honored to serve our customer and our country.”

Additionally, the Department of the Navy announced the reclassification of nineteen planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) as guided missile submarines (SSGN).

The reclassification begins with Arizona (SSGN 803) through the remainder of Block V and into the new Block VI boats. This pivotal shift clearly differentiates these advanced platforms from traditional Virginia-class fast attack submarines (SSNs).