As shipbuilders juggle the construction of two submarine programs at once, the Columbia- and Virginia-class programs are facing delays and growing costs, according to an annual Government Accountability Office review of the Defense Department's major weapon systems. The Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program, the Navy's top acquisition priority , saw a $3.4 billion increase since GAO's assessment last year. The Columbia program will replace the existing 14 Ohio-class submarines which will begin retiring in 2027. "This increase reflects the August...
