The United States Navy

Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines - SSBN

last updated: January 28, 2003

Image of USS Maine underway Description: Nuclear-powered submarines armed with long-range strategic missiles.

Background: Strategic deterrence has been the sole mission of the fleet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) since its inception in 1960. The SSBN provides the nation's most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability. The Ohio class submarine replaced aging fleet ballistic missile submarines built in the 1960s and is far more capable.

Ohio-class/Trident ballistic missile submarines provide the sea-based "leg" of the triad of U.S. strategic deterrent forces. The 18 Trident SSBNs (each carrying 24 missiles), carry 50 percent of the total U.S. strategic warheads. Although the missiles have no pre-set targets when the submarine goes on patrol, the SSBNs are capable of rapidly targeting their missiles should the need arise, using secure and constant at-sea communications links.

Features: The first eight Ohio class submarines (Tridents) were originally equipped with 24 Trident I C-4 ballistic missiles. Beginning with the ninth Trident submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), all new ships are equipped with the Trident II D-5 missile system as they are built, and the earlier ships are being retrofitted to Trident II. Trident II can deliver significantly more payload than Trident I C-4 and more accurately.

The Ohio-class submarines are specifically designed for extended deterrent patrols. To decrease the time in port for crew turnover and replenishment, three large logistics hatches are fitted to provide large diameter resupply and repair openings. These hatches allow sailors to rapidly transfer supply pallets, equipment replacement modules and machinery components, significantly reducing the time required for replenishment and maintenance. The class design and modern main concepts allow the submarines to operate for 15+ years between overhauls.

The first four Ohio-class submarines are scheduled for conversion over the next five years to guided missile submarines (SSGN) with an additional capability to transport and support Navy special operations forces.

Point of Contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington, DC 20362

General Characteristics, Ohio Class

Builders: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division.
Power Plant: One nuclear reactor, one shaft
Length: 560 feet (170.69 meters)
Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters)
Displacement: 16,764 tons (17,033.03 metric tons) surfaced; 18,750 tons (19,000.1 metric tons) submerged
Speed: 20+ knots (23+ miles per hour, 36.8 +kph)
Ships:
Homeported at the Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, Washington:
USS Michigan (SSBN 727) — conversion to SSGN scheduled for October 2003
USS Georgia (SSBN 729) — conversion to SSGN scheduled for 2004
USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730)
USS Alabama (SSBN 731)
USS Alaska (SSBN 732)
USS Nevada (SSBN 733)
USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735)
USS Kentucky (SSBN 737)
Homeported at the Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia:
USS Tennessee (SSBN 734)
USS West Virginia (SSBN 736)
USS Maryland (SSBN 738)
USS Nebraska (SSBN 739)
USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740)
USS Maine (SSBN 741)
USS Wyoming (SSBN 742)
USS Louisiana (SSBN 743)
Ships undergoing conversion to SSGN:
USS Ohio (SSBN 726) — Out of service 29 Oct. 2002 for conversion to SSGN, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
USS Florida (SSBN 728) — conversion to SSGN scheduled for October 2003, Norfolk, Va.
Crew: 15 Officers, 140 Enlisted
Armament: 24 tubes for Trident I and II, MK-48 torpedoes, four torpedo tubes.
Date Deployed: November 11, 1981 (USS Ohio)

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