Navy Evaluates Scrapping USS Boise After 15-Year Delay

The United States Navy has sidelined the USS Boise, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, for over a decade due to systemic maintenance and repair failures. After completing its final patrol in early 2015, the vessel docked at Naval Station Norfolk for scheduled repairs but faced prolonged delays driven by workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, and limited dry dock availability. The submarine lost its ability to perform unrestricted operations in 2016 and its dive certification in 2017.

In February 2024, the Navy awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries a $1.2 billion contract for an engineering overhaul. This project is not expected to conclude until 2029, which would mean the asset remains inactive for approximately 15 years.

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle acknowledged that the vessel's extended time in the yards is unacceptable. Facing questions from the Senate Committee on Armed Services regarding the ship's viability, Caudle stated he would evaluate the trajectory and trends of the repairs to determine if the Navy should continue the overhaul or scrap the vessel entirely.