The Ohio-class represents the United States Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, forming the cornerstone of America’s sea-based strategic deterrent. Developed and built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, these vessels are capable of carrying either ballistic or cruise missiles, providing long-range, survivable strike capability and supporting special operations missions.
History & Development
Conceived during the Cold War in the early 1970s to replace older missile submarines, the Ohio-class was designed for extended patrols, enhanced stealth, and higher missile capacity. Construction of the first vessel, USS Ohio (SSBN 726), began in 1976, with commissioning in 1981. A total of 18 submarines were built between 1976 and 1997. Initially equipped with Trident I (C4) missiles, all boats were later upgraded to the Trident II (D5) system, offering greater range, accuracy, and multiple independently targetable warheads (MIRVs).
Operational Role
Ohio-class SSBNs conduct deterrent patrols in remote oceanic regions, remaining undetected while poised for retaliatory strikes. Each vessel operates under a dual-crew system — Blue and Gold crews — to maintain high operational readiness and extended deployments. Patrols can exceed 70 days, with rapid turnover between missions.
Four Ohio-class submarines — USS Ohio, USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Georgia — were converted into SSGNs, capable of launching up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and supporting covert operations by Navy SEALs and unmanned underwater systems. The remaining 14 SSBNs continue to fulfill strategic nuclear deterrence missions and are projected to remain in service into the 2030s, eventually succeeded by the Columbia-class submarines.
Fleet List & Hull Numbers
| Name | Hull | Status |
|---|---|---|
| USS Ohio | SSBN 726 | Converted to SSGN |
| USS Michigan | SSBN 727 | Converted to SSGN |
| USS Florida | SSBN 728 | Converted to SSGN |
| USS Georgia | SSBN 729 | Converted to SSGN |
| USS Henry M. Jackson | SSBN 730 | SSBN |
| USS Alabama | SSBN 731 | SSBN |
| USS Alaska | SSBN 732 | SSBN |
| USS Nevada | SSBN 733 | SSBN |
| USS Tennessee | SSBN 734 | SSBN |
| USS Pennsylvania | SSBN 735 | SSBN |
| USS West Virginia | SSBN 736 | SSBN |
| USS Kentucky | SSBN 737 | SSBN |
| USS Maryland | SSBN 738 | SSBN |
| USS Nebraska | SSBN 739 | SSBN |
| USS Rhode Island | SSBN 740 | SSBN |
| USS Maine | SSBN 741 | SSBN |
| USS Wyoming | SSBN 742 | SSBN |
| USS Louisiana | SSBN 743 | SSBN |
Variants
- SSBN (Ballistic Missile Submarine): Equipped with Trident II D5 ballistic missiles for strategic nuclear deterrence.
- SSGN (Guided-Missile Submarine): Modified to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and support special operations forces.
Key Capabilities
- Nuclear-powered propulsion for unlimited range and endurance.
- Long-range strike with both strategic and conventional payloads.
- Dual-crew operation enabling extended patrol cycles.
- Covert deployment of special operations teams and unmanned systems (SSGN variant).
