The U.S. Navy successfully undocked the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) on March 26th at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, marking a significant step in the vessel’s extensive overhaul.
The Albany arrived at the New London base in the summer of 2025, initiating a comprehensive maintenance period. Navy officials confirmed the work included a range of repairs, structural inspections and critical upgrades to the submarine’s systems. Details regarding the specific nature of these upgrades have not been publicly disclosed, citing operational security concerns.
The undocking process, a carefully orchestrated maneuver, involved flooding the dry dock to refloat the submarine. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) oversaw the project, coordinating the efforts of both Navy personnel and civilian contractors. A NAVSEA spokesperson stated that the undocking signifies the completion of the initial phase of the maintenance period.
The USS Albany, commissioned in 1988, is a veteran of numerous deployments throughout the world. The submarine is equipped to carry torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and mines. Its primary mission profile includes anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence gathering. The extended maintenance period was deemed necessary to ensure the vessel remains capable of fulfilling these roles for the remainder of its service life.
Following the undocking, the Albany will undergo a series of sea trials to verify the effectiveness of the completed repairs and upgrades. These trials will assess the submarine’s performance across a range of operational scenarios, including submerged speed, sonar capabilities, and weapons systems functionality. The Navy anticipates the sea trials will last several weeks.
The maintenance of the Albany is part of a broader effort to modernize the Navy’s fleet of Los Angeles-class submarines. Many of these vessels are approaching the end of their originally projected service lives, necessitating significant investments in maintenance and upgrades to extend their operational capabilities. The Navy is simultaneously pursuing the development of the next-generation Virginia-class submarines to eventually replace the aging Los Angeles-class fleet.
The Albany’s return to service is expected to bolster the Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean. The submarine’s presence will contribute to maintaining maritime security and deterring potential adversaries. The Navy has not yet announced the Albany’s next deployment schedule.
As of today, the Navy has not released a detailed cost breakdown for the Albany’s overhaul, nor a firm date for the completion of sea trials and the submarine’s return to full operational status.
