Pentagon Wants 3-Star Sub Czar to Lead All New Construction Programs Under DEPSECDEF

The Pentagon is set to appoint a three-star officer to oversee the Navy’s submarine construction efforts, according to a memo from Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. This new role, confirmed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, will involve managing the acquisition of all nuclear submarines for a four-year term. The officer will also take charge of the submarine program offices currently under the Department of the Navy, addressing critical delays in submarine production.

New Role to Streamline Submarine Acquisition

The newly established position of submarine direct reporting program manager (DRPM) will report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. This role is designed to enhance coordination between the Secretary of the Navy and the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. The DRPM will also collaborate with the director of naval reactors, a four-star position that oversees the development and maintenance of nuclear reactors for both submarines and aircraft carriers.

This strategic move comes in response to an extensive review of submarine construction led by retired Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, who previously commanded the Naval Sea Systems Command. McCoy has been assessing the current state of submarine production and has toured various nuclear shipyards as part of his evaluation. The new DRPM will be responsible for developing submarine requirements alongside the Chief of Naval Operations, a shift from the previous process where requirements originated from the CNO’s staff.

Additionally, the DRPM will oversee budgeting for the maintenance of all in-service submarines. The Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) office will also report to this new position, focusing on the multi-billion-dollar submarine industrial expansion efforts. This restructuring aims to address the Navy’s significant delays in submarine construction, particularly for the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, which are crucial for U.S. defense commitments, including the AUKUS agreement with Australia.

Addressing Production Challenges

The Navy is currently facing challenges in meeting its submarine production goals. Contractors General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding are producing approximately 1.3 Virginia-class submarines annually, falling short of the required 2.3 boats per year. The Columbia-class submarines are also experiencing delays, with the first vessel tracking up to two years late due to supplier issues.

Congress Tells Pentagon $20.8B FY 2026 Shipbuilding Funding is Insufficient

In response to these challenges, the Navy has invested billions to enhance the submarine industrial base’s efficiency through initiatives like the MIB and partnerships with organizations such as the Blue-Forge Alliance, which received nearly $1 billion to strengthen the U.S. submarine industrial base last year. Analysts believe that the new DRPM role could bring much-needed accountability and oversight to the submarine acquisition process, which has faced scrutiny for its effectiveness and financial management.

As the Pentagon continues to refine its approach to defense procurement, the appointment of a dedicated leader for submarine construction marks a significant step toward improving the Navy’s capabilities and ensuring timely delivery of critical assets.