Ohio-class submarine

Ohio-class submarine. The *Ohio*-class submarines form the sea-based leg of the United States' nuclear triad, providing a continuous, survivable strategic deterrent. Originally designed as fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), a portion of the class was later converted to carry conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles, redesignated as guided missile submarines (SSGNs). These vessels, constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat, are among the largest submarines ever built for the United States Navy.

Design and development

The design of the *Ohio* class emerged in the early 1970s as a successor to the Benjamin Franklin-class submarine and James Madison-class submarine boats, which were approaching the end of their service lives. The Trident I (C4) missile program drove the requirement for a significantly larger hull to accommodate longer-range, multiple-warhead submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Key figures in the Strategic Systems Programs office, along with engineers at General Dynamics Electric Boat, developed a design emphasizing quiet operation, endurance, and reliability. The program faced significant scrutiny during the administration of President Jimmy Carter, but construction proceeded under the Secretary of the Navy and the direction of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover.

Service history

The lead boat, USS Ohio (SSBN-726), was commissioned in 1981 and began its first deterrent patrol in 1982 from Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Washington. Throughout the Cold War, these submarines conducted countless patrols in the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, remaining a cornerstone of the MAD doctrine against the Soviet Union. Following the end of the Cold War, four boats were converted to SSGNs under the 2002 Nuclear Posture Review. The class has been involved in major conflicts, with SSGNs launching Tomahawk missiles during operations in Libya and Syria, and SSBNs continuing their strategic patrols from bases like Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia.

Specifications

The *Ohio*-class submarines displace approximately 18,750 tons submerged and are 560 feet long, with a beam of 42 feet. They are powered by a S8G reactor, a pressurized water reactor plant designed by General Electric that drives two steam turbines and a single shaft, enabling speeds in excess of 20 knots. The original SSBN configuration featured 24 launch tubes for Trident missiles, either the C4 or the later D5. The converted SSGNs carry up to 154 Tomahawk missiles in their modified tubes, along with a host of special operations forces and their equipment, such as Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs).

Variants

There are two primary variants of the class. The first is the original SSBN configuration, designed for the Trident missile system. The second is the SSGN configuration, which resulted from the conversion of four boats—USS Ohio (SSBN-726), USS Michigan (SSBN-727), USS Florida (SSBN-728), and USS Georgia (SSBN-729)—under the SSGN Tactical Trident program. This conversion involved refitting 22 of the 24 missile tubes to carry seven Tomahawk missiles each, with the remaining two tubes converted to lockout chambers for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces.

Operational role

The SSBNs' sole mission is strategic nuclear deterrence, operating under the guidance of United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). They execute months-long patrols, maintaining a continuous at-sea presence to guarantee a second-strike capability. The SSGNs, conversely, serve as a premier conventional strike and special operations platform, falling under the purview of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command or U.S. Central Command. They provide a massive, covert, and persistent land-attack capability, significantly augmenting the firepower of a carrier strike group and supporting missions for Joint Special Operations Command.

Decommissioning and replacement

The *Ohio*-class SSBNs are scheduled to begin retiring in the late 2020s as they reach the end of their 42-year service lives. Their replacement is the Columbia-class submarine (formerly the *Ohio* Replacement Program), a new class of 12 ballistic missile submarines being built by General Dynamics Electric Boat. The Columbia-class submarine program is the Department of Defense's top acquisition priority, designed to incorporate the latest in quieting technology, a life-of-the-ship reactor, and continued integration with the Trident D5 LE2 missile to ensure the sea-based deterrent through the 2080s. Category:Submarine classes Category:Ballistic missile submarines of the United States Category:Cold War submarines of the United States