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Navy/USMC

Lawmakers Give Navy Flexibility On Carriers And Sub Procurements, But Mandates Outside Manager For LSM And Oiler

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

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Lawmakers Give Navy Flexibility On Carriers And Sub Procurements, But Mandates Outside Manager For LSM And Oiler

Graphic model of the Damen Naval LST-100 landing ship transport 4,000 ton ship the Navy picked to become the new Medium Landing Ship (LSM) Block One. (Image: Damen)

The fiscal year 2026 defense authorization bill is giving the Navy some flexibility in how it buys the next two aircraft carriers (CVNs) and Columbia-class nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) but is also mandating private managers for a new amphibious ship and oiler. The compromise bill, passed by the House last week and Senate on Wednesday allows the Navy to buy the next two aircraft carriers, CVN-82 and 83, in a block buy if the Navy decides to. “The Secretary…

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