Unleashing the Power of the Ohio-Class Submarines: America's Strategic Underwater Arsenal

The Ohio-class submarines are a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) that serve as a key component of the United States Navy's strategic nuclear deterrence. Here are some details about the Ohio-class submarines:

1. Purpose: The primary role of the Ohio-class submarines is to carry and launch intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) armed with nuclear warheads. They are designed to provide a sea-based deterrent capability, ensuring the United States maintains a credible and survivable nuclear force.

2. Construction: The Ohio-class submarines were constructed by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, and the Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Newport News, Virginia. A total of 18 submarines were built between 1976 and 1997.

3. SSBN Conversion: The Ohio-class submarines underwent a significant modification program known as the "SSBN Conversion" or "Trident Refit Program" in the 2000s. As part of this conversion, the submarines were modified to carry guided-missile canisters instead of ballistic missiles. These modified submarines are referred to as guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) and serve a dual role of conventional strike and special operations support.

4. Trident II D5 Missiles: The Ohio-class submarines were originally armed with Trident I C4 ballistic missiles, but they were later upgraded to carry the more advanced Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. Each submarine can carry up to 24 Trident II D5 missiles, which have a range of over 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) and are capable of carrying multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

5. Stealth and Endurance: The Ohio-class submarines are designed for stealth and are among the quietest submarines in the world. They have a submerged displacement of around 18,750 tons and can remain submerged for extended periods without the need to resurface, thanks to their nuclear propulsion system.

6. Crew and Operations: The Ohio-class submarines have a crew of approximately 155 officers and enlisted personnel. They are capable of conducting extended patrols, typically lasting around 70-90 days, during which they remain undetected and maintain communication with the command authority through very-low-frequency (VLF) radio waves.

7. Replacement Program: The Ohio-class submarines are gradually being replaced by a new class of submarines known as the Columbia-class. The Columbia-class submarines are being developed to maintain the United States' sea-based strategic deterrence capability and are expected to begin replacing the Ohio-class submarines in the late 2020s.

The Ohio-class submarines have played a crucial role in the United States' nuclear deterrence strategy and have been a cornerstone of its submarine-based nuclear forces for several decades.

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I know that some point in time someone will say “can’t even have submarines in ohio” like it’s not funny anymore.