Each factor has a critical function in the country’s effort towards retaining national security and stability by resting its strategic deterrence on a triad of powerful forces which, besides the Navy’s SSBNs, comprises the Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortresses and the complete integration into the Marine Corps logistics.
The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, or “boomers” as they sometimes are called, were designed to be stealthy and deliver nuclear warheads with precision. These submarines provide an undetectable launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. While the 14 Ohio-class SSBNs originally operated with up to 24 SLBMs apiece, restrictions imposed by the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty have cut that number to no more than 20 missiles per boat. The mainstay of these submarines is the longer-range and more accurate warhead provided by the Trident II D5 missile.
The Ohio-class SSBNs are designed to perform extended deterrent patrols, featuring three large-diameter logistics hatches that enable rapid on-load of supplies and equipment, which help improve operational availability. They can operate for 15 or more years between overhauls, performing normal at-sea operations of 77 days followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance. Each SSBN is operated by two crews that alternate manning the ship so that it can operate nearly 60 percent of the time. This maximizes strategic availability and provides crew quality-of-life and morale considerations.
The future COLUMBIA class SSBNs are representative of the future of the Navy’s sea-based strategic deterrence, replacing the Ohio-class submarines. The COLUMBIA class, which is the Navy’s top acquisition priority, is scheduled to become operational in 2030 and will provide continuous at-sea deterrence into the 2080s. These will be the largest, most capable, and most advanced submarines the United States has ever produced.
For over four decades, the B-52 Stratofortress has served as the backbone of America’s manned strategic bomber force. Capable of deploying a range of ordnance comprising gravity bombs, cluster bombs, precision-guided missiles, and joint direct-attack munitions, the B-52 is a vital constituent of national defense. Modern technology upgrades ensure the B-52 will continue well into the 21st century to deliver the full complement of joint-developed weapons, with a projected lifespan beyond the year 2040.
The only variant still in service is the model B-52H capable of carrying 20 air-launched cruise missiles and has been instrumental in operations ranging from Desert Storm to Iraqi Freedom. This was finally demonstrated during Operation Desert Strike in 1996, where two B-52Hs conducted a 34-hour non-stop 16,000-mile round trip to strike targets in Baghdad. Many conflicts to date, including Operation Enduring Freedom, have had their loiter capability high above the battlefield with close air support supplied through precision-guided munitions.
The United States Marine Corps provides integral support to the Navy Ballistic Missile Submarine Force. Recently, two CH-53E Super Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462 conducted a vertical replenishment for the Ohio-class submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) while patrolling the Philippine Sea. This vertical replenishment operation showcases the adaptability, readiness, and power projection capability of Marine Corps forces within the Indo-Pacific region.
According to the commanding officer of the Marine Aircraft Group – 36, Col. Christopher Murray stated that naval integration and aviation-delivered logistics are what sustain the force. The Marine Corps SiF concept integrates multi-domain operations to further advance sea control and sea denial operations to enhance operations.
Cmdr. Travis L. Wood, commanding officer of USS Maine said the smooth coordination among Navy and Marine Corps units was just one example of how such operations allow the submarine force to continue to apply pressure against adversaries while ensuring the security of the homeland.
The Pacific Submarine Force leverages its advantages of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance to ensure a continuous, global presence. Submarine-based strategic deterrence remains the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Finally, the Navy’s SSBNs, the Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortresses, and the Marine Corps’ key contribution of logistics add up to one robust and resilient strategic deterrent that will last in defense of the nation and a balance of power in the world.