Although the Navy plans to clear the next major milestone decision for the multibillion-dollar, next-generation ballistic missile submarine next week, the program may come to a “screeching halt” on Jan. 1 unless Congress steps in. In briefing slides presented Oct 27 at a Naval Submarine League conference by Rear Adm. Bill Merz, submarine warfare director in the office of the chief of naval operations (N97), the Defense Acquisition Board will meet Nov. 4 to make a milestone B decision for...