On October 6, 2026, Rhoads Industries welcomed Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, a three-star admiral and the U.S. Navy’s Director of Submarine Programs, to its Philadelphia Navy Yard operations for a presentation on the Navy’s four-pillar strategy to accelerate submarine production.
Often referred to as the Navy’s “czar,” Vice Admiral Gaucher is leading efforts to strengthen the nation’s submarine industrial base and accelerate construction of Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. His visit provided insight into the Navy’s production priorities and the critical role of industry partners in meeting growing demand.
The Navy’s Four-Pillar Strategy for Accelerating Submarine Production
The Navy is working toward an annual production rate of two Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines and one Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Achieving this goal will require greater efficiency, increased manufacturing capacity, and closer coordination across the submarine industrial base.
During his presentation, Vice Admiral Gaucher outlined the four strategic priorities guiding these efforts.
- Stabilize Submarine Designs
Minimizing design changes is essential to maintaining consistent production schedules. By limiting modifications once submarine designs are established, the Navy aims to reduce delays, prevent unnecessary rework, and improve manufacturing efficiency. This approach is particularly important as production continues across the Virginia-class submarine program.
- Optimize Prime Shipyard Operations
The Navy is working to allow its primary submarine shipbuilders, General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, to concentrate on their core responsibilities, including module outfitting, hull assembly, final testing, and delivery. By shifting appropriate component manufacturing and assembly work to qualified industry partners, the Navy can help reduce production bottlenecks and improve efficiency at its primary shipyards.
- Strengthen and Expand the Industrial Base
Increasing submarine production requires a broader, more capable manufacturing and supply chain network. This pillar focuses on expanding industrial capacity, strengthening supplier readiness, and distributing work across qualified manufacturing partners.
Rhoads Industries supports these efforts through its specialized fabrication, assembly, and outfitting capabilities, helping to expand the manufacturing capacity available for submarine construction.
- Design Future Submarines for Producibility
Looking ahead to the next generation of submarines, the Navy is placing greater emphasis on designing vessels that can be manufactured and maintained efficiently. This approach seeks to balance advanced operational capabilities with practical production considerations, helping ensure future submarine programs can be delivered at the scale and pace required.
Supporting the Future of U.S. Navy Submarine Production
Vice Admiral Gaucher’s visit comes as Rhoads Industries continues to expand its role in supporting the nation’s submarine industrial base. In July 2026, Rhoads announced a ten-year strategic agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat to provide advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding support services for critical U.S. Navy submarine construction programs.
Through ongoing investments in manufacturing infrastructure and workforce development at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Rhoads continues to expand its capacity to meet increasing production demands and support the Navy’s efforts to accelerate submarine production.
Rhoads Industries was honored to host Vice Admiral Gaucher and learn more about the Navy’s strategic priorities. As the company continues its work supporting U.S. Navy submarine programs, Rhoads remains committed to helping advance the nation’s maritime defense capabilities.
