Some experts argue Virginia-class submarines government is buying second hand are good for fighting American wars, but not for defending AustraliaGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcast On stage for his “arsenal of freedom tour”, the US secretary of defense – who prefers the appellation “secretary of war” – was ebullient. “This Virginia-class submarine is a paragon of American engineering and fighting spirit,” Pete Hegseth roared, standing at Newport News shipyards where those boats are being built.