Pentagon Names First-Ever Submarine Czar to Oversee Virginia and Columbia-Class Production

Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher has assumed the newly created role of Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DPRM) for Submarines, becoming the Pentagon's first-ever submarine "czar" effective February 23, 2026. Reporting directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, Gaucher is tasked with streamlining production of both Virginia-class attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, programs facing significant schedule delays. The Virginia-class fleet runs 24–36 months behind schedule while Columbia-class vessels are delayed 12–16 months, due to workforce shortages and supply chain issues that have strained U.S. undersea warfare capacity.