U.S. naval equipment provider Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), through its Hunt Valve operation, has been awarded purchase orders totaling $96 million to provide essential valves for the construction of the U.S. Navy’s five Columbia-class and 12 Virginia-class submarines. These include ship service ball valves and forged high-pressure system valves.
As informed, the contract makes FMD among the largest suppliers to these submarine programs and guarantees Hunt Valve work for the next 5+ years, enabling the company to make workforce, machinery, tools and inventory investments that strengthen its commitment to the U.S. Navy.
George Whittier, FMD’s CEO, stated: “This long-lead contract signals that the U.S. Navy is listening to industry challenges and actively collaborating to find solutions that strengthen our ability to serve. As a key defender of our nation’s freedom of the seas, the Navy’s silent service relies on top performance. Fairbanks Morse Defense remains committed to providing the essential components that help our fleet operate at its best.”
The Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines are considered to be among the Department of Defense’s highest priorities as they are designed to replace the existing Ohio-class submarines that will be decommissioned in the coming years. At 580 feet long (approximately 176 meters), they are said to be the largest ever built by the U.S. Navy. They feature a propulsion system that converts nuclear energy directly into electrical power, making them more quiet and stealthy while operating.
The USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) lead boat is projected for delivery in October 2028 and is expected to enter operation in 2031. A total of 12 planned Columbia-class submarines will be constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat.
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Designed to replace the Los Angeles-class attack submarines, the Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines are said to offer improved acoustic and stealth capabilities with a control system that facilitates shallow-water operations, a lock-out divers chamber for inserting special operators ashore and improved capabilities to launch land-attack munitions. These are being constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding.
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