Ohio-Class Submarine Replacement Program Receives 'Milestone A' Authority

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's Ohio-class submarine replacement program achieved 'Milestone A' and is approved to enter the Technology Development Phase of the Department of Defense life cycle management system as of Jan. 10. 

Milestone A is the point at which a recommendation is made and approval sought regarding starting or continuing an acquisition program, i.e., proceeding to the next phase. Reaching the milestone allows the Ohio-class replacement program to move into the technology development phase. During this phase, the program will establish requirements and continue design and technology development efforts that will ultimately lead to a ship construction contract. 

Navy embarks on replacements for Trident submarines

The first Ohio-class submarine arrived at Naval Submarine Base Bangor. Suddenly, the ballistic-missile subs are pushing 30, and the Navy is preparing to replace them.

Rear Adm. David Johnson spoke about the changeover Thursday before a luncheon crowd of Navy supporters. Johnson, as Program Executive Officer, Submarines, in Washington, D.C., is responsible for new submarine construction programs.

Rear Adm. David Johnson

Fresh out of the Naval Academy, he was assigned to Bangor's Trident Refit Facility in December 1982, coming just as the USS Ohio returned from its first patrol. Much has changed since then. Silverdale was horse pastures and an Elsie's restaurant, he said. There was a Soviet Union, and a Cold War.