U.S. Navy Receives First Bearing Support Structures for Columbia-Class Submarines

General Atomics has delivered to the U.S. Navy the first of two Bearing Support Structures (BSS) for installation in the first Columbia-class submarine currently under construction.

The company has been under contract with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) since 2019 to fabricate and deliver the BSSs according to exacting Navy specifications and construction schedules.

General Atomics was awarded the second BSS delivery order in September 2021.  Manufacturing activities have started at its facilities in Tupelo, MS. The company will deliver the second BSS at the end of 2023 to support the full construction start date of the Navy’s second Columbia-class submarine in fiscal 2024. The Navy intends to build 12 Columbia-class submarines over the next 20 years.