The SSNs are the silent sentinels of the deep, designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles, and support Special Operation Forces. Additionally, they conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, support battle group operations, and conduct mine warfare.
However, as the inventory of foreign diesel-electric and air-independent propulsion submarines grows, the U.S. Submarine Force increasingly relies on its technological advantage. The speed, endurance, mobility, and stealth, along with the payload that nuclear power allows, are crucial for undersea battlespace dominance.
The Los Angeles-class (SSN 688) submarines form the backbone of the U.S. submarine force, with approximately 40 currently in commission. Thirty of these are fitted out with twelve VLS tubes for the Tomahawk cruise missile. These submarines have formed the leading edge in the maintenance of U.S. undersea superiority since their introduction.
The Navy also maintains three Seawolf-class multi-mission submarines. Seawolf-class vessels are faster, quieter, and more heavily armed than any attack submarine in history. Commissioned July 19, 1997, USS Seawolf was designed with advanced sensors and eight torpedo tubes able to hold up to 50 weapons. The third Seawolf-class submarine, USS Jimmy Carter includes a 100-foot hull extension called the multi-mission platform. It provides enhanced capability for land attack and littoral scouting, as well as providing improved capability for special operations forces and advanced technology for classified research in firepower, communications, and reconnaissance.
The next-generation Virginia-class (SSN 774) submarines are replacing the retiring Los Angeles-class. To date, 21 Virginias have been commissioned; these submarines introduce some innovations that considerably extend warfighting capabilities, especially in littoral operations. The class includes a reconfigurable torpedo room to support SOF, a large lockout trunk for divers, and photonics masts that replace traditional periscopes, providing enhanced situational awareness.
Due to modular construction, open architecture, and commercial off-the-shelf components, the Virginia-class submarines are designed to remain state of the art for their entire operational life. The Block III contract re-designed about 20 percent of the ship, reducing acquisition costs and increasing passive detection capabilities with the new Large Aperture Bow (LAB) array.
The commitment to undersea dominance is reflected in the Navy’s recent award to General Dynamics Electric Boat of a $22.2-billion contract for Block V. The contract includes nine submarines, with eight boats featuring the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). The VPM will add four large payload tubes-lengthening the Tomahawk strike capacity from 12 to 40 missiles per boat. “These design changes will enable the fleet to stay dominant in meeting the nation’s needs,” says Rear Adm. David Goggins.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly said, “Our submarine force is fundamental to the power and reach of our integrated naval force.” The Block V contract testifies to the commitment that the Navy has to future strength both undersea and globally.
Each evolution of the U.S. attack submarines has marked a technological tug-of-war by the Navy for dominance. From the stalwart Los Angeles class to the advanced Virginia class, these submarines help guarantee a U.S. presence under the water to be a formidable one indeed. As long as the Navy continues to innovate and adapt, the future of undersea warfare looks in good hands, cementing the nation’s grasp into the deep blue sea.