The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are part of the legs of American strategic deterrence. These undetectable submarines were used to provide a launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles that focus on stealth and precision in delivering nuclear warheads.
The 14 Ohio-class SSBNs were originally designed to carry as many as 24 SLBMs with multiple independently-targeted warheads. Four missile tubes on each submarine are now permanently deactivated under the terms of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, bringing their overall missile load-out down to 20. The Trident II D5 missile is their primary strategic weapon, featuring an increased range and accuracy over that of its predecessor, the Trident I C4.
In particular, the Ohio-class SSBNs are specifically designed to execute extended deterrent patrols. Each ship has been fitted with three large-diameter logistics hatches to facilitate the speedy transfer of supply pallets, equipment replacement modules, and machinery components for the reduced in-port time needed for replenishment and maintenance, thus enhancing operational availability.
Ohio-class submarine designs furnish the capability to operate for a 15-year or longer time between major overhauls. Normally, these submarines spend 77 days at sea, followed by 35 days of in-port maintenance. Every SSBN has two crews: the Blue and the Gold, which alternately man the ships to provide maximum strategic availability, allow the force size required to meet strategic requirements to be smaller, and provide adequate crew training, readiness, and morale.
The future of the Navy’s sea-based strategic deterrent lies with the COLUMBIA-class SSBNs, which will replace the Ohio-class submarines. Delivery of the COLUMBIA class is planned no later than October 2027, with initial operational patrols beginning no later than October 2030. This class is intended to support a generational jump in submarine technology and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence through the 2080s. As expressed by the Navy, the COLUMBIA-class will be the largest, most capable, and most advanced submarine produced.
In related news, Northrop Grumman powered a Trident II D5 missile in support of the U.S. Navy’s Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 32. The operation included the USS Louisiana, SSBN-743, to demonstrate the readiness of the submarine’s crew and to certify it for deployment. Wendy Williams, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of propulsion systems, emphasized the reliability of their solid rocket motors, saying, “The D5 SLBM test record now stands at 191 successful launches with no motor failures.”
Ohio-class SSBNs, such as the USS Rhode Island, continue to demonstrate their reliability. Last week, USS Rhode Island launched a successful test flight of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile as part of DASO 29, the 172nd successful test flight since the missile’s introduction in 1989. According to Rear Adm. Michael Bernacchi, commander of Submarine Group 10, “The crew’s efforts ensure our nation maintains the most survivable and reliable sea-based deterrent in the world.”.
As the Navy transitions to the COLUMBIA class, the Ohio-class SSBN legacy lives on, having stood the test of time as stalwart guardians of national defense. Continued successes in testing the Trident II D5 missile underline that these storied submarines remain a reliable and strategic mainstay.