[Al B.]

As I said, I understand the reason for NG acquiring the design, but it makes no sense for NG to be involved in this if they don't intend to build the boats at Newport News.

Also, I never implied that a nuke design be adapted for this requirement. Obviously, this would be something new for NG/NNS, but certainly within their capabilities.

[a history buff]

As I said, I understand the reason for NG acquiring the design, but it makes no sense for NG to be involved in this if they don't intend to build the boats at Newport News.

It's political. The Chinese visit a whole lot of wrath on the EU nations for weapons exports; we're big enough to get by with it. NG would presumably be handling the "legislative liason" part.