New US chief of naval operations cites concern about funding both strategic recapitalisation and conventional forces

The first-of-class Columbia submarine, shown here in rendering, is about 18 months behind schedule. (US Navy)

Admiral Daryl Caudle, who was confirmed on 31 July as the US chief of naval operations (CNO), noted concerns just before his confirmation about the US Navy's (USN's) ability to pay for both strategic force upgrades and conventional fleet investments.

“I am concerned that the navy's strategic deterrent force recapitalisation and modernisation could impact the navy's ability to invest in conventional assets and foundation infrastructure due to constrained fiscal resources,” Adm Caudle said in written replies to lawmakers' questions released shortly before his 24 July Senate nomination hearing.

For more information about naval submarine funding, please see Pentagon Budget 2026: US Navy splits submarine funding requests .

Adm Caudle pointed out that the strategic submarine (SSBN) Columbia programme to replace the ageing Ohio-class ships remains the USN's priority acquisition.

“The delivery of the first of class is currently behind schedule,” he said. “The programme office and shipbuilder are taking aggressive action to regain schedule and the navy has developed a mitigation strategy that extends the life of selected Ohio SSBNs to ensure commander, US Strategic Command force generation and employment requirements will continue to be met during the transition,” he added.

The navy has implemented a plan to conduct life extensions on up to five Ohio-class submarines to ensure that force generation and employment requirements will continue to be met during the transition from Ohio to Columbia, he said.

The mitigation strategy is constantly evaluated by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), submarine force leadership, and the Columbia-class programme office and will be adjusted as necessary to ensure full coverage of US Strategic Command operational requirements, he said.