Ohio-class (SSGN-726)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Submarine |
| Subtype | Nuclear missile submarine |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics |
| Year commissioned | 1981 |
| Units | SSGN-726 OHIO, SSGN-727 MICHIGAN, SSGN-728 FLORIDA, SSGN-729 GEORGIA |
| Current operators | 🇺🇸 United States |
Description
The USS Ohio (SSBN-726/SSGN-726) is a key asset of the United States Navy, named after the U.S. state of Ohio, and is the lead boat of the Ohio class of nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarines. Originally commissioned as a ballistic missile submarine with the designation SSBN-726, the ship was later converted into a guided missile submarine (SSGN-726).
Originally scheduled for retirement in 2002, the Ohio instead underwent a significant 36-month refueling and conversion overhaul beginning in November 2003. This conversion was part of a program that adapted Ohio and three sister submarines to serve as cruise missile submarines, extending their operational capabilities and service life.
The Ohio's construction contract was awarded to General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division on July 1, 1974, with its keel laid down on April 10, 1976. Launched on April 7, 1979, Ohio underwent sea trials in 1981 and was officially delivered to the Navy on October 28, 1981. It was commissioned on November 11, 1981, with significant recognition of its strategic importance by Vice President George H. W. Bush and Admiral Hyman G. Rickover.
After initial post-commissioning work, Ohio was based at Bangor, Washington. It conducted its first strategic deterrent patrol with Trident C-4 missiles in October 1982. From 1993 to 1994, Ohio underwent a major overhaul improving its sonar, fire control, and navigation systems.
As an SSGN, Ohio features enhanced capabilities, rejoining the fleet in February 2006. It began its first SSGN mission in October 2007, showcasing the adaptability of its Blue and Gold crew rotation strategy for prolonged deployment. Notably, in June 2010, Ohio partook in strategic maneuvers in the East China Sea in response to Chinese missile testing. It also became historically notable for integrating female officers and enlisted sailors into its crew, with Lt. Britta Christianson being the first in 2011 and the first female enlisted sailor qualifying in 2016.
In December 2020, it was announced that Ohio is slated for decommissioning and recycling by 2026, concluding its service with the fleet.
Technical specifications
| Ohio | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 16764 tons |
| Displacement submerged | 18750 tons |
| Range | Unlimited, except by food supplies |
| Endurance | 70 days autonomy |
| Crew | 155 members |
| Width | 13.0 m (42.7 ft) |
| Length | 170.0 m (557.7 ft) |
| Max. depth | 300 m (984.3 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 General Electric S 8G reactor with a power of 60,000 hp - 1 propeller |
| Armament | 154 Tactical Tomahawk / ATACMS missiles + 4 533mm Mk.68 TLTs |
| Maximum speed | 12 knots |
| Max. speed submerged | 25 knots |
Photo of Ohio class
Silhouette
