The OHIO-class Trident Ballistic Missile Submarine provides the sea-based "leg" of the triad of U.S. strategic offensive forces. By the turn of the century, the 18 Trident SSBNs (each carrying 24 Trident missiles), carry over 50 percent of the total U.S. strategic warheads. By virtue of their patrol posture, they are highly survivable and extremely flexible. Although the missiles have no pre-set targets when the submarine goes on patrol, Tridents missiles are capable of being rapidly targeted, should the need arise, using secure and constant at-sea communications links.
Characteristics of the Ohio-Class
Ohio-class subs are the largest submarines built in the U.S., and second in size only to the Russian Typhoon-class of SSBNs. The OHIO-class submarine can carry either the Trident I/C-4 or Trident II/D-5 missiles. These submarines are fitted with four torpedo tubes for the Mk 48 ADCAP torpedoes which, along with countermeasure devices, provide defense against hostile ASW forces. The most important defensive feature of these submarines is their stealth characteristics -- they are among the quietest nuclear-powered submarines ever built. This inherent feature of the OHIO-class makes these ships the most survivable element of the triad.
In comparison with our earlier force of "41 for Freedom," the SSBN fleet is slated to drop to 14 ships in the new century. With each individual submarine platform thus representing a significantly larger percentage of America's strategic deterrent, the importance of ensuring the security of each becomes more important than ever. Far from being an artifact of the Cold War, the SSBN Security Program remains a key element in maintaining the credibility of our strategic nuclear arsenal.
USS Ohio (SSBN-726)
Related Pages
Trident Missile
