The United States House of Representatives approved $1.48 billion for the Ohio-class missile submarine replacement reactor program today. The funding is critical for the construction of a new class of 12 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) which will one day replace the existing Ohio-class SSBNs such as those currently homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in St. Marys, Georgia.
"Threats against the United States are greater than ever and the submarines stationed at Kings Bay play a critical role in our nuclear deterrence and national security," Carter said. "The funding provided in the legislation today will help to ensure there are no interruptions due to a gap in the retirement of the Ohio-class submarines and their replacement. As the fine men and women stationed at Kings Bay work tirelessly everyday to remain the elite home to the Atlantic ballistic submarine fleet, I will continue the fight to ensure they are able to maintain their mission."
The funding comes as part of the fiscal year 2017 Defense Appropriations bill which funds military training and readiness and provides a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops. Carter has been a leader in the fight for the replacement program. During budget discussions leading to the passage of the bill in the House today, Carter testified about the indispensable national security importance of the existing SSBN fleet and the need to expedite their replacement.
