View source for Ohio-class submarine

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Ohio''-class submarine}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:USS Michigan (SSBN-727).jpg|300px]]
|Ship caption=USS ''Michigan''
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
|Name=Ohio
|Builders=[[General Dynamics Electric Boat]]<ref name=FAS>
 {{Cite web
 |url=http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/navy/submarines/ssgn726_ohio.html
 |title=SSBN-726 Ohio-Class FBM Submarines
 |publisher=Federation of American Scientists
 |accessdate=2011-09-27
 }}</ref>
|Operators={{navy|USA}}<ref name=FAS/>
|Class before={{sclass|Benjamin Franklin|submarine|4}}
|Class after=
|Subclasses=
|Cost=
|Built range=1976–1997
|In service range=
|In commission range= 1981–present
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships completed=18
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=18
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=
|Total ships retired=
|Total ships preserved=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship class=
|Ship type=[[SSBN]]/[[SSGN]] (hull design SCB-304)<ref name="Adcock440">
 {{Citation
 | last1=Adcock
 | first1=Al.
 | title=U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarines
 | publisher=Squadron Signal
 | place=Carrolltown, Texas
 | year=1993
 | pages=4, 40
 | isbn=978-0-89747-293-7
 }}</ref>
|Ship tonnage=
|Ship displacement= {{convert|16764|t|LT}} surfaced<ref name=FAS/><ref name=Frost>
{{Citation
 |url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_subs_0424apr24,0,5810806.story
 |title=Newport News contract awarded
 |publisher=Daily Press
 |author=Peter Frost
 |last=Frost
 |first=Peter
 |accessdate=2011 September 27
}}{{Failed verification|date=September 2011}}</ref><br />{{convert|18750|t|LT}} submerged<ref name=FAS/>
|Ship tons burthen=
|Ship length={{convert|560|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=FAS/>
|Ship beam={{convert|42|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=FAS/>
|Ship height=
|Ship draught=
|Ship draft={{convert|35.5|ft|m|abbr=on}} maximum<ref name=Adcock_p40>
 {{Citation
 | last1=Adcock
 | first1=Al.
 | title=U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarines
 | publisher=Squadron Signal
 | place=Carrolltown, Texas
 | year=1993
 | page=40
 | isbn=978-0-89747-293-7
 }}</ref>
|Ship depth=
|Ship hold depth=
|Ship decks=
|Ship deck clearance=
|Ship ramps=
|Ship ice class=
|Ship power=
|Ship propulsion=1× [[S8G]] [[pressurized water reactor|PWR]] nuclear reactor<ref name=FAS/><br />2× geared [[turbines]]={{convert|60000|shp|MW|abbr=on}}<ref name=FAS/> [[Fairbanks Morse]] auxiliary diesel<ref name=Adcock_p40/>
<br />1× {{convert|325|hp|kW|abbr=on}} auxiliary motor<br />1 shaft with seven-bladed screw<ref name=Adcock_p40/>
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship speed={{convert|12|kn|mph km/h}} surfaced<ref name=FAS/><br />+{{convert|20|kn|mph km/h}} submerged (official)<ref name=FAS/><br />{{convert|25|kn|mph km/h}} submerged (reported)<ref name=FAS/>
|Ship range=Limited only by food supplies
|Ship endurance=
|Ship test depth=+{{convert|800|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|Ship boats=
|Ship capacity=
|Ship troops=
|Ship complement=
|Ship crew=15 officers<ref name=FAS/><ref name=Frost/><br />140 enlisted<ref name=FAS/><ref name=Frost/>
|Ship time to activate=
|Ship sensors=[[BQQ-6]] passive bow-mounted array<ref name=FAS/> (which includes [[BQS-13]] fire control array)<ref name=Adcock_p41>
{{Citation
 | last1=Adcock
 | first1=Al.
 | title=U.S. Ballistic Missile Submarines
 | publisher=Squadron Signal
 | place=Carrolltown, Texas
 | year=1993
 | page=41
 | isbn=978-0-89747-293-7
}}</ref><br />•[[BQR-19]] navigation<ref name=FAS/><br /><br />•[[TB-16]]<ref name=FAS/> or [[BQR-23]] towed array<ref name=Adcock_p41/><br />•[[BQR-25]] conformal array<ref name=Adcock_p41/>
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=4× {{convert|21|in|cm|abbr=on}} Mark 48 [[torpedo tube]]s (midships)
*'''SSBN-726 to SSBN-733 from construction to refueling'''<br />24 [[Trident I]] C4 [[SLBM]] with up to eight [[MIRV]]ed 100&nbsp;[[Knot (unit)|kt]] [[W76]] nuclear warheads, range {{convert|4000|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}}
*'''SSBN-734 and subsequent hulls upon construction, SSBN-730 to SSBN-733 since refueling'''<br />24 [[Trident II]] D5 SLBM with up to 12 W76 or [[W88]] (300–475&nbsp;kt<sub>TNT</sub>) nuclear warheads (with MIRV), range {{convert|6500|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}}
*'''SSGN conversion'''<br />22 tubes, each with 7 [[BGM-109 Tomahawk|Tomahawk]] cruise missiles, totaling 154.
|Ship armour=
|Ship armor=
|Ship aircraft=
|Ship aircraft facilities=
|Ship notes=<!---•--->
}}
|}

The '''''Ohio'' class''' is a class of [[nuclear power|nuclear-powered]] [[submarines]] used by the [[United States Navy]]. The Navy has 18 ''Ohio''-class submarines.

The ''Ohio'' class is named after the lead submarine of this class, the {{USS|Ohio|SSGN-726}} formerly designated SSBN-726. The 14 Trident II SSBNs together carry approximately fifty percent of the total American active inventory of strategic [[thermonuclear]] warheads. The exact number of  warheads deployed in the oceans of the world varies in an unpredictable and classified manner, always at or below a maximum number set by various [[Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty|Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties]]. Although the Trident missiles have no preset targets when the submarines go on patrol, the [[warship]]s, when required, are capable of quickly being assigned targets by using secure and constant [[communication with submarines|radio communications links]] at sea, including [[VLF]] systems.

Except for the {{USS|Henry M. Jackson|SSBN-730}}, the ''Ohio''-class submarines are named for [[State of the United States|States of the United States]].

The ''Ohio''-class submarines are the largest submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy. Two classes of [[Russian Navy]] submarines have larger total displacements: the [[Soviet]]-designed {{sclass|Typhoon|submarine|2}}s have more than twice the total displacements, and the [[Russian Federation]]'s {{sclass|Borei|submarine|2}}s have roughly 25 percent greater displacements, but the ''Ohio''-class warships carry more missiles and warheads than either of the other designs.

== Description ==

The ''Ohio''-class submarines were designed specifically for extended war-deterrence patrols. Each of these submarines is provided with two complete crews, called the Blue crew and the Gold crew, with each crew serving typically on 70- to 90-day deterrent patrols. To decrease the time in port for crew turnover and replenishment, three large logistics hatches have been installed to provide high-diameter resupply and repair access. These hatches allow rapid transfer of supply pallets, equipment replacement modules, and machinery components, significantly reducing the time required for replenishment and maintenance of the submarines.

The class's design allows the warship to operate for about fifteen years between major overhauls. These submarines are reported to be as quiet at their cruising speed of {{convert|20|kn|km/h mph}} or more than the previous ''Lafayette''-class submarines were at {{convert|6|kn|km/h mph}}, although exact information remains classified.{{citation needed|still needs cite even though from unclassified source|date=October 2011}}  Fire control for their [[Mark 48 torpedo]]es is carried out by Mark 118 Mod 2 system,<ref name=Adcock_p41/> while the Missile Fire Control (MFC) system is a Mark 98.<ref name=Adcock_p41/>

The ''Ohio''-class submarines were constructed from sections of hull, with each four-deck section being {{convert|42|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter.<ref name=Adcock_p40/><ref name=Adcock_p41/> The sections were produced at the [[Quonset Point]], [[Rhode Island]] facility of [[General Dynamics Electric Boat]], and then assembled at their [[Groton, Connecticut]] shipyard.<ref name=Adcock_p40/>

The Navy has a total of 18 ''Ohio''-class submarines which consists of
* 14 nuclear-powered [[SSBN]]s ([[fleet ballistic missile submarine]]s (FBM)), each armed with up to 24 [[UGM-133 Trident II|Trident II]] [[SLBM]]s; they are also known as [[Trident submarine|"Trident" submarines]], and provide the sea-based leg of the [[nuclear triad]] of the [[nuclear weapons and the United States#Current status|U.S. strategic nuclear weapons arsenal]]
* Four nuclear-powered SSGNs ([[cruise missile submarine]]s), each capable of carrying 154 [[BGM-109 Tomahawk|Tomahawk]] [[cruise missiles]] with either conventional or nuclear warheads, plus a complement of [[Harpoon missile]]s to be fired through their [[torpedo tube]]s.

== History ==
{{See also|STRAT-X}}

The first eight ''Ohio''-class submarines were armed at first with 24 [[Trident missile|Trident I C4]] [[submarine-launched ballistic missile]]s.<ref name=Adcock_p40/> Beginning with the ninth Trident submarine, the {{USS|Tennessee|SSBN-734}}, the remaining warships were equipped with the larger, three-stage [[Trident missile|Trident II D5 missile]].<ref name=Adcock_p41/> The Trident II missile carries eight [[multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle]]s ([[MIRV]]s), in total delivering more destructive power than the Trident I missile and with greater accuracy. Starting with the {{USS|Alaska|SSBN-732}} in 2000, the Navy began converting its remaining ballistic missile submarines armed with C4 missiles to carry D5 missiles. This task was completed in mid-2008.

The first eight submarines had their home ports at [[Naval Base Kitsap|Bangor, Washington]], to replace the submarines carrying the [[Polaris missile|Polaris A3 missile]] that were then being decommissioned. The remaining ten submarines originally had their home ports at [[Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay|Kings Bay, Georgia]], replacing the [[Poseidon missile|Poseidon]] and Trident Backfit submarines of the Atlantic Fleet. During the conversion of the first four submarines to SSGNs (see below), five of the submarines, the {{USS|Pennsylvania|SSBN-735|2}}, {{USS|Kentucky|SSBN-737|2}}, {{USS|Nebraska|SSBN-739|2}}, {{USS|Maine|SSBN-741|2}}, and {{USS|Louisiana|SSBN-743|2}}, were transferred from Kings Bay to Bangor. Further transfers occur as the strategic weapons goals of the United States change.

=== SSBN/SSGN conversions ===
[[File:OHIOSSGNCONVERSION.JPG|thumb|left|''Ohio'' SSGN conversion|alt=Black submarine with orange paint from cheatline down in drydock at nightfall.]]

After the end of the [[Cold War]], plans called for {{USS|Ohio|SSBN-726|2}} to be retired in 2002, followed by three of her sister boats. However, the ''Ohio'', {{USS|Michigan|SSBN-727|2}}, {{USS|Florida|SSBN-728|2}}, and {{USS|Georgia|SSBN-729|2}} instead were slated for modification, to remain in service carrying conventionally-armed guided missiles, and were designated as [[SSGN]]s.

Beginning in 2002 through 2010, 22 of the 24 {{convert|88|in|m}} diameter Trident missile tubes were modified to contain large [[vertical launching system|vertical launch systems]] (VLS), one configuration of which may be a cluster of seven [[BGM-109 Tomahawk|Tomahawk cruise missiles]]. In this configuration, the number of cruise missiles carried could be a maximum of 154, the equivalent of what is typically deployed in a surface battle group. Other payload possibilities include new generations of [[supersonic]] and [[hypersonic]] cruise missiles, and Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (SLIRBM),<ref>{{Citation
|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/systems/slirbm.htm
|title=Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org
|accessdate=2011-09-27}}</ref> [[Unmanned air vehicle]]s (UAVs), the [[ADM-160 MALD]], sensors for anti-submarine warfare or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, countermine warfare payloads such as the [[Long-Term Mine Reconnaissance System|AN/BLQ-11 Long Term Mine Reconnaissance System]] (LMRS), and the [[broaching universal buoyant launcher]] (BUBL) and [[stealthy affordable capsule system]] (SACS) specialized payload canisters.

The missile tubes also have room for stowage canisters that can extend the forward deployment time for special forces. The other two Trident tubes are converted to swimmer lockout chambers. For special operations, the [[Advanced SEAL Delivery System]] and the [[Dry Deck Shelter]] can be mounted on the lockout chamber and the boat will be able to host up to 66 special operations sailors or Marines, such as [[Navy SEAL]]s, or [[MARSOC]] teams of the [[USMC]]. Improved communications equipment installed during the upgrade allows the SSGNs to serve as a forward-deployed, clandestine Small Combatant Joint Command Center.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.gdeb.com/news/ebnews/ebnews0206.pdf
|title=Electric Boat News
|publisher=General Dynamics Electric Boat
|date=February 2006}}{{dead link|date=July 2011}}</ref>

On 26 September 2002, the Navy awarded the Electric Boat company a US$442.9 million contract to begin the first phase of the SSGN submarine conversion program. Those funds covered only the initial phase of conversion for the first two boats on the schedule. Advanced procurement was funded at $355 million in [[fiscal year]] 2002, $825 million in the FY 2003 budget and, through the five-year defense budget plan, at $936 million in FY 2004, $505 million in FY 2005, and $170 million in FY 2006. Thus, the total cost to refit the four boats is just under $700 million per vessel.

In November 2002, the USS ''Ohio'' entered a [[drydock]], beginning her 36-month [[Refueling and Overhaul|refueling and missile conversion overhaul]]. Electric Boat announced on 9 January 2006 that the conversion had been completed. The converted ''Ohio'' rejoined the fleet in February 2006, followed by the USS ''Florida'' in April 2006. The converted USS ''Michigan'' was delivered in November 2006. The converted ''Ohio'' went to sea for the first time in October 2007. The ''Georgia'' returned to the fleet in March 2008 at [[Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay|Kings Bay]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://atlanta.navyleague.us/
|title=Navy Marks USS Georgia's Return To Service
|work=CBS 4 News Jacksonville
|accessdate=2008-12-03}} {{Failed verification|date=September 2011}}</ref> These four SSGNs are expected to remain in service until about 2023-2026. At that point their capabilities will be replaced with Virginia Payload Module equipped {{sclass|Virginia|submarine}}s.

== Replacement ==
[[File:US Navy 100308-N-9588L-023 Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Joan Valles, left, mans the helm of the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728).jpg|thumb|The helm of the ''Ohio''-class guided-missile submarine USS ''Florida''.]]
{{Main|SSBN-X future follow-on submarine}}

The [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] anticipates a continued need for a [[Nuclear triad|sea-based strategic nuclear force]].<ref name=GS>{{cite web
|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/systems/ssbn-x.htm
|title=Global Security information on Ohio class replacement
|accessdate=2011-09-27}}</ref> The first of the current ''Ohio'' SSBNs are expected to be retired by 2029,<ref name=GS/> meaning that a platform must already be seaworthy by that time. A replacement may cost over $4 billion per unit compared to ''Ohio''{{'}}s $2 billion.<ref name=Frost/> The Navy is exploring two options. The first is a variant of the {{sclass|Virginia|submarine|0}} nuclear attack submarines. The second is a dedicated SSBN, either with a new hull or based on an overhaul of the current ''Ohio''.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}}

[[File:Trident-Ohio class submarine 3D drawing.svg|thumb|Cross-section diagram of the submarines of the class]]

With the cooperation of both Electric Boat and [[Newport News Shipbuilding]], in 2007 the Navy had already begun a cost control study.<ref name=GS/> Then in December 2008 the Navy awarded Electric Boat a contract for the missile compartment design of the ''Ohio''-class replacement, worth up to $592 million. Newport News is expected to receive close to 4% of that project.  The Navy has yet to confirm an ''Ohio''-class replacement program.  But in April 2009 [[United States Secretary of Defense|Defense Secretary]] [[Robert M. Gates]] confirmed that the Navy should begin such a program in 2010.<ref name=Frost />{{update after|2012|8|4}} The new vessel is scheduled to enter the design phase by 2014. It is anticipated that, if a new hull design is used, the program must be initiated by 2016 in order to meet the 2029 deadline.<ref name=GS/>

Rep. [[Gene Taylor (Mississippi)|Gene Taylor]] of Mississippi had threatened to block the project unless the Navy shares with the Congress an internal [[Analysis of Alternatives]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/04/defense_submarine_042210/
|title=Lawmaker wants key submarine document
|date=
|accessdate=2011-09-27}}</ref>

== Boats of the class ==
{{Main|List of Ohio class submarines}}

=== Guided missile submarines ===
* {{USS|Ohio|SSGN-726}}
* {{USS|Michigan|SSGN-727}}
* {{USS|Florida|SSGN-728}}
* {{USS|Georgia|SSGN-729}}

=== Ballistic missile submarines ===
* {{USS|Henry M. Jackson|SSBN-730}}
* {{USS|Alabama|SSBN-731}}
* {{USS|Alaska|SSBN-732}}
* {{USS|Nevada|SSBN-733}}
* {{USS|Tennessee|SSBN-734}}
* {{USS|Pennsylvania|SSBN-735}}
* {{USS|West Virginia|SSBN-736}}
* {{USS|Kentucky|SSBN-737}}
* {{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}}

== Popular culture ==
<!--
IMPORTANT:

PLEASE READ BEFORE EDITING:

AS PER THE GUIDELINES OF THE MILITARY HISTORY WIKI PROJECT, PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:

1. BEFORE PLACING AN ITEM IN THIS SECTION PLEASE ENSURE IT HAS HAD A WELL-CITED AND NOTABLE IMPACT ON POPULAR CULTURE. 

2. A RELIABLE SOURCE MUST BE PROVIDED FOR ALL INFORMATION ADDED TO THIS SECTION. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS GUIDELINE WILL BE MADE IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM.

3. DO NOT ADD compendiums of every trivial appearance of the subject in pop culture. Additions that are deemed trivial in nature will be removed.

4. DO NOT ADD unsupported speculation about cultural significance or fictional likenesses. 

5. Additions to this section that do not follow these guidelines WILL BE REVERTED.
!-->
[[File:Ohio-class submarine launches Trident ICBMs (artist concept).jpg|thumb|Artist's concept of an ''Ohio''-class SSGN launching [[BGM-109 Tomahawk|TLAMs]].]]
As ballistic missile submarines, the ''Ohio'' class has occasionally been portrayed in fiction books and films.

* {{USS|Alabama|SSBN-731|6}} is the setting for the film [[Crimson Tide (film)|''Crimson Tide'']].<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112740/
|title=Crimson Tide
|publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]]
|accessdate=2011-09-27
}}</ref>

* {{USS|Colorado|SSBN-753}} is the fictional submarine in the TV Series [[Last Resort]]

* The sinking of the fictional USS ''Montana'' is the inciting incident in [[James Cameron]]'s 1989 film ''[[The Abyss]]''.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096754/plotsummary
|title=The Abyss (1989) - Plot Summary
|publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]]
|accessdate=2011-09-27
}}</ref>
* In Tom Clancy's novels, these missile submarines play important roles. For example, the fictional [[Akula class|''Akula''-class]] submarine ''Admiral Lunin'' attacks the {{USS|Maine|SSBN-741}} near the end of ''[[The Sum of All Fears]]''. Also, in ''[[Debt of Honor]]'', five ''Ohio''s of the U.S. Pacific fleet (specifically those named after battleships damaged in the Pearl Harbor attack) are used as [[attack submarines]] due to their availability from nuclear disarmament. One is also deployed as an Army special operations support platform.

== See also ==
{{Portal|United States Navy}}
* [[Yankee Notch]] – 1983 conversion of former Soviet SSBN class to take up to 40 missiles similar to Tomahawks
* [[Submarine-launched ballistic missile]]
* [[Nuclear warfare]]
* [[Nuclear strategy]]

== References ==
{{commons category|Ohio class submarines}}
;Citations
{{Reflist|2}}

<!--;Bibliography-->
<!--*Hutchinson, Robert. ''Jane's Submarines War Beneath the Waves: From 1776 to the Present Day''. New Line Books, 2006. ISBN 978-1-59764-181-4.-->

{{Ohio class submarine}}
{{SSBN classes in service}}
{{ColdwarUSSubmarines}}
{{General Dynamics}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2011}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Ohio'' class submarine}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ohio Class Submarine}}
[[Category:Ohio class submarines| ]]
[[Category:Submarine classes]]
[[Category:Cold War submarines of the United States| Ohio class]]

{{link FA|de}}
{{Link FA|pl}}
{{Link GA|ru}}

[[cs:Třída Ohio]]
[[da:Ohio-klassen]]
[[de:Ohio-Klasse]]
[[es:Clase Ohio]]
[[fr:Classe Ohio]]
[[ko:오하이오급 잠수함]]
[[it:Classe Ohio]]
[[he:הצוללות הגרעיניות מסדרת אוהיו]]
[[ms:Kapal selam Kelas Ohio]]
[[ja:オハイオ級原子力潜水艦]]
[[no:Ohio-klassen]]
[[pl:Okręty podwodne typu Ohio]]
[[pt:Classe Ohio]]
[[ro:Submarin clasa Ohio]]
[[ru:Подводные лодки типа «Огайо»]]
[[sk:Trieda Ohio]]
[[sl:Razred podmornic Ohio]]
[[fi:Ohio-luokka]]
[[sv:Ohio-klass (ubåt)]]
[[zh:俄亥俄级核潜艇]]