The USS Albany (SSN-753) has safely undocked at Naval Submarine Base New London, marking a major milestone in its maintenance and modernization program, according to a US Navy press release.
The undocking took place on March 26, following months of extensive repairs and upgrades carried out by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
The milestone is considered a critical step toward returning the submarine to operational service and strengthening the Navy’s undersea warfare capability.
Major Repairs and Modernization Work
The USS Albany (SSN-753) arrived at New London in summer 2025 for a scheduled maintenance and modernization availability.
Since then, the submarine has undergone:
- structural inspections
- mechanical system replacements
- electrical system upgrades
- repairs to critical onboard components
According to the Navy, the work is intended to enhance the submarine’s capabilities and equip its crew with one of the most advanced undersea platforms possible.
The modernization is designed to ensure the submarine can meet future operational demands in an evolving threat environment.
More Than 400 Shipyard Personnel Deployed
To support the availability, an advanced team from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard spent much of 2025 coordinating with New London facilities.
At peak manning, more than 400 shipyard personnel were temporarily deployed to execute the work.
US Navy officials said the project faced multiple operational challenges, including several winter storms.
Despite this, the docking period was completed ahead of schedule.
Capt. Jesse Nice, shipyard commander, said:
“The teaming demonstrated by the crew of Albany and the shipyard workforce drove through every obstacle, completing Albany’s docking period ahead of schedule.”
Key Step Toward Fleet Return
The completion of the docking period is described as a critical first step toward returning the submarine to the fleet.
Cmdr. Adam Nebenzahl, commanding officer of the submarine, said the early undocking reflects a strong “one team, one fight mentality.”
He added that the milestone brings the submarine one step closer to rejoining the fleet and resuming operations at sea.
This directly supports the US Navy’s broader objective of maintaining combat-ready undersea platforms and strengthening sustained deterrence.
Why USS Albany Matters
The USS Albany (SSN-753) is a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, one of the key pillars of US Navy undersea warfare capability.
These submarines are designed for:
- anti-submarine warfare
- anti-surface ship warfare
- intelligence gathering
- special operations support
- long-range strike missions
Their stealth and endurance make them a major component of US maritime deterrence.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s Strategic Role
The Navy described Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as America’s leader in attack submarine maintenance, repair, and modernization.
The shipyard plays a major role in sustaining the US submarine fleet and supporting the maritime industrial base.
Officials said the work directly contributes to national security by ensuring submarines return to service more capable than before.
