Columbia, Ohio Subs On Schedule, Despite Missile Tube Problems
The company that has experienced slip-ups in delivering missile tubes to the Navy might leave the business, leaving only a single company who can do the work.
By Paul McLeary on August 15, 2019 at 3:40 PM
PENTAGON: After problems with welding on missile tubes for two classes of Navy submarines, and uncertain about future work, Virginia-based military contractor BWX Technologies warns it may leave the missile tube business behind. The move would leave only one US supplier standing who can deliver the critical systems as the Navy kicks off an ambitious schedule to build three to four subs per year.
The president and CEO of BWX, Rex Geveden, told analysts on an earnings call earlier this month, “there is a pathway to stay in the (missile tube) business if we want to do it. I think the ultimate customer, the Navy and NAVSEA would want more than one supplier.†But he added, “we’re not interested in the future orders unless we do have a way to make money on these orders.â€
https://breakingdefense.com/2019/08/weld-problems-spread-to-second-navy-sub-program/
