Kings Bay, Ga. (April 11, 2006) Ð The Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) makes her way through Cumberland Sound to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Florida will be officially welcomed to her new home in Kings Bay with a return to service ceremony scheduled for May 25, 2006 in Mayport, Fla. Florida is the second of four SSBN submarines to be converted to the guided missile SSGN platform. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Lynn Friant (RELEASED)
In the shadowy depths of the world’s oceans, where silence is paramount and discretion is a matter of survival, the United States Navy’s ballistic missile submarines glide unseen.
Dubbed “boomers,” these titans of the deep form a critical component of the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy, carrying the Trident II D5 intercontinental missiles—the stealthy guardians of peace.
The Ohio-class submarines, a fleet of 14 formidable vessels, are the quiet sentinels designed for stealth and precision. Originally equipped to carry 24 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), each with multiple warheads capable of striking targets from a great distance, the current fleet conforms to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
Norfolk, Va. (Nov. 11, 2004) Ð The Ohio-class submarine USS Georgia (SSBN 729) is towed past the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) as it enter Naval Station Norfolk. Georgia is the fourth Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine to undergo conversion to a guided missile submarine. Once completed in 2009 Georgia will provide joint war fighters transformational strike and special operations forces capabilities. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Andy Zask (RELEASED)
Four of the missile tubes on each submarine have been permanently deactivated, reducing the maximum missile capacity to 20 SLBMs.
DIEGO GARCIA (Sept. 5, 2011) The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) moors outboard of the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) to undergo a continuous maintenance availability and crew exchange. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Fray/Released)
These strategic weapons possess increased range and accuracy over the now-retired Trident I C4 missile, enhancing the Navy’s capability to project power globally with minimal risk of detection. The Trident II D5, an upgrade on its predecessor, ensures that the nation’s deterrence is both credible and formidable.
The Ohio-class SSBNs are engineered for endurance, with specific designs that enable them to embark on extended deterrent patrols. Their operational availability is enhanced through innovative features such as three large-diameter logistics hatches.
These allow for the rapid transfer of supplies, equipment replacement modules, and machinery components, minimizing the time required for replenishment and maintenance.
DIEGO GARCIA (Sept. 5, 2011) The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) prepares to moor outboard of the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) in Diego Garcia. Georgia is homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., and will undergo a continuous maintenance availability and crew exchange while in Emory S. LandÕs homeport of Diego Garcia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Williamson/Released)
As a result, these submarines are capable of operating for 15 or more years between major overhauls.
To ensure these strategic assets remain at the ready, each Ohio-class submarine is crewed by two sets of sailors: the Blue and Gold crews. These teams alternate manning the submarines and taking them on patrols, allowing the SSBNs to spend an average of 77 days at sea, followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance.
This not only maximizes the submarines’ strategic availability but also reduces the number of vessels required to fulfill strategic requirements, ensuring crew readiness and maintaining morale.
While the purpose of these submarines is clear, misinformation can sometimes cloud the public’s understanding.
A recent case in point involved a photo that was incorrectly claimed to show a Russian submarine carrying an underwater missile in Los Angeles.
However, this was swiftly debunked as the image actually depicted a U.S. rescue vehicle. A reverse image search revealed that the vessel shown in the photo is the deep submergence rescue vehicle Avalon as it was secured on the deck of the Sturgeon-class USS Billfish.
The image, which shows an American — not Russian — flag in the background, was taken in 1992, according to the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum.
The Ohio-class SSBNs remain a testament to the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a secure and effective nuclear deterrence.
Relevant articles:
– Fact Check: Photo Does NOT Show Russian Submarine Carrying Underwater Missile In LA — It’s US Rescue Vehicle, newsbreak.com
– Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, navy.mil