Ohio-class guided-mιssιle submarines (SSGN) offer the Navy unparalleled capabilities for conducting special operations and strikes from a concealed, covert platform. Superior communications capabilities and tactical missiles enable SSGNs to directly support the strike objectives of the Combatant Commander and the Special Operation Forces (SOF).

According to the 1994 Nucleаr Posture Review, only 14 of the 18 SSBNs required by the United States were sufficient to satisfy its strategic force requirements. As a result, four Ohio-class submarines were converted by the Navy into conventional land аttаck and SOF platforms. This enabled the Navy to build upon pre-existing submarine technology while simultaneously enhancing its capacity to fulfill the present and forthcoming requirements of combatant commanders of the United States.

Four ballistic mιssιle submarines (SSBN) were refueled and converted into SSGNs by the SSGN Program Office in slightly over five years, at a considerably reduced cost and in a shorter amount of time than constructing an entirely new platform. The USS Ohio (SSGN 726) was delivered to the shipyard in October 2007, after completing its conversion in December 2005, and entered service for the first time on November 15, 2002. The replenishment and conversion of the USS Florida (SSGN 728) commenced in August 2003, and it was re-joined the fleet in April 2006. October 2004 marked the beginning of USS Michigan (SSGN 727) shipyard availability; delivery occurred in November 2006. The conversion of the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) was concluded in December 2007.

The Navy established a distinctive collaboration in order to materialize the SSGN concept. Engineered Refueling Overhauls (EROs) were necessary for all four submarines, in addition to substantial conversion efforts. Punta Sound Naval Shipyard in Washingtоn was responsible for the EROs for both Michigan and Ohio, whereas Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia was tasked with replenishment for Florida and Georgia. The Navy awarded the contract to General Dynamics’ Electric Boat to convert the SSBNs to SSGNs. This marked the first time such collaboration had taken place, with the company performing the work within the Naval Shipyards. This unprecedented partnership was a resounding triumph, as the program was completed on schedule and within budget.

With a capacity of up to 154 Tomahawk land-аttаck cruise mιssιles per SSGN, the four SSGNs collectively contribute to over 50% of the vertical launch payload capacity of the Submarine Force. As many as 22 mιssιle tubes are utilized to feed the seven-shot Multiple-All-Up-Round Canisters (MACs) containing the mιssιles. Further stowage receptacles for SOF equipment, food, and other consumables can be accommodated within these mιssιle tubes to extend the submarines’ forward deployment capability in support of the combatant commander’s objectives. Additionally, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned submerged vehicles, and novel mιssιle variants can be accommodated within the mιssιle tubes of the future.

SSGNs are capable of accommodating a maximum of 66 SOF personnel concurrently. Further accommodations for the additional personnel were made possible in the mιssιle compartment through the installation of berthing, and additional measures were implemented to prolong the SOF forces’ deployment aboard the SSGNs. Permanently converted into lock-out compartments, the two forwardmost mιssιle tubes permit the covert insertion and retrieval of SOF personnel. In addition to providing SOF capabilities, each lock-out chamber can also accommodate a Dry Deck Shelter (DDS), thereby augmenting the SSGNs.

Each SSGN was equipped with the Common Submarine Radio Room and two High-Data-Rate antennas during the conversion process, which substantially improved communication capabilities. These augmentations enable every SSGN to function as a covert, forward-deployed Small Combatant Joint Command Center.

The SSGN will play a crucial role in the future naval force of the Navy. Due to its exceptional payload capacity, dual personnel deployment concept, and intrinsic stealth nature, every SSGN provides the warfighter with increased mission flexibility and improved capabilities.