Latest news with #Ohio-class
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Reveals Movements of Navy's Nuclear-Armed Submarines
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has disclosed the movements of its submarines—armed with nuclear missiles—for the second time this month, demonstrating its deterrent capability. The Submarine Group Ten, which oversees operations of the Atlantic ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet, told Newsweek that it could not discuss submarine schedules or deployments because of operational security concerns. The unit is assigned with six SSBNs. Why It Matters The U.S. Navy operates a fleet of 14 nuclear-powered Ohio-class SSBNs, each capable of carrying up to 20 ballistic missiles. Eight of these submarines are based at Bangor, Washington, while the remaining six are homeported at Kings Bay, Georgia. The SSBN fleet forms part of the U.S.'s "nuclear triad," alongside strategic bombers and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles to deter adversaries. The U.S. Navy rarely publicizes SSBN operations as the submarines are designed for deterrent patrols and launching missiles if necessary. One of the SSBNs, USS Kentucky, conducted an escort drill with helicopters in the Pacific, the Navy said on May 2. What To Know In a set of undated photos shared by the Submarine Group Ten on Facebook on May 15, USS West Virginia was seen making final preparations to depart its home port—Kings Bay—for "routine operations" in support of the country's strategic mission. The submarine was operated by its "Blue crew," one of two crew teams that alternate manning it. This two-crew system maximizes the SSBN's availability and reduces the number of submarines needed to meet strategic requirements, according to the U.S. Navy. This marked the second publicized departure of the West Virginia in more than two months. The submarine—manned by its "Gold crew"—was seen preparing to depart on March 12 for a strategic mission, according to photos released by the Submarine Group Ten. Meanwhile, USS Tennessee, another SSBN assigned to the Submarine Group Ten, was seen exiting a dry dock at Kings Bay following "months of hard work" of maintenance, according to an undated short video released on the unit's Facebook page on Monday. The Submarine Group Ten told Newsweek that its mission is to deliver "combat ready forces" by ensuring its submarines "are properly manned, trained, equipped and certified to conduct decisive combat operations around the world." On the West Coast, the Submarine Group Nine announced that USS Henry M. Jackson, one of eight SSBNs assigned to the unit, returned to its home port at Bangor on May 15 following a routine strategic deterrent patrol, according to photos released on Thursday. Strategic deterrence relies on a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent force, said the Pacific Northwest-based unit, which oversees submarine operations in the region. The United States Navy ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson arriving at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington following a routine strategic deterrent patrol on May 15. The United States Navy ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson arriving at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington following a routine strategic deterrent patrol on May 15. Lt. Zachary Anderson/U.S. Navy What People Are Saying The U.S. Submarine Group Ten wrote on Facebook: "This is a testament to [Team Kings Bay's] commitment to keeping our fleet ready and capable. This Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine [USS Tennessee] is one step closer to resuming its vital role in our nation's strategic deterrence mission." The U.S. Submarine Group Nine said on its webpage: "Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are considered the survivable leg of the strategic deterrent triad, the others being long-range manned aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. SSBN fleet will conduct any test launches of its submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which can deliver nuclear warheads to targets more than 7,400 miles away, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Reveals Nuclear Submarine in China's Backyard
The United States has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine, armed with over 100 long-range missiles, to the Western Pacific Ocean amid China's rapid naval fleet expansion. The deployment of USS Ohio, a guided-missile submarine, reflected America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven, which commands submarines deployed in the Western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea, told Newsweek. Newsweek has also reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Photos released by the U.S. Submarine Group Seven on Tuesday show the Ohio arrived at Naval Base Guam on April 23. The island of Guam is home to several U.S. military bases, serving as a major staging area to project America's power against China, which is 1,800 miles away. Under a U.S. containment strategy, Guam is part of the Second Island Chain, which aims to restrict China's naval access to the Pacific Ocean by leveraging U.S.-aligned territories. The Ohio is one of four U.S. Navy Ohio-class guided-missile submarines, along with USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Georgia. These submarines were converted from nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines to carry conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles. Each of these submarines can be armed with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting land targets precisely from 1,000 miles away. They are also designed to support special operation missions by accommodating up to 66 personnel and their equipment. The Chinese navy-the largest in the world by hull count, with over 370 vessels, including 12 nuclear-powered submarines and 48 diesel-electric-powered submarines-has highly prioritized modernizing its submarine force, the Pentagon said in a report. The missile-armed submarine, which is homeported in Bangor, Washington, was conducting what it called "routine operations" in the U.S. Seventh Fleet, according to a photo caption. The Fleet's area of operations covers both the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The submarine was still in Guam as of May 6, when it conducted an exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps at the base. The drill was part of ongoing efforts to provide "flexible, forward-postured, and quick-response options" to regional commanders, another photo caption read. The Ohio and its sister ships provide "unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities" from a stealth, clandestine platform, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven said in response to a Newsweek inquiry, adding that they are ready to operate globally at any time. According to ship spotters, the Ohio left its homeport in late February for a westward voyage to Hawaii. It set sail again in early April, departing from Pearl Harbor en route to Guam. This marked the third deployment of an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine to the Western Pacific Ocean in less than a year. The Florida and the Michigan made port calls in Guam in early July and early November in 2024, respectively, Newsweek previously reported. While the Michigan shares its homeport with the Ohio, the Florida and the Georgia are based out of Kings Bay in Georgia. A satellite image captured in mid-April appears to show the Georgia docked at the island of Diego Garcia, a remote U.S. base in the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Navy said: "The [guided-missile submarine] is a key element of the Navy's future fighting force. With its tremendous payload capacity, dual crew deployment concept, and inherent stealth, each [guided-missile submarine] brings mission flexibility and enhanced capabilities to the warfighter." The U.S. Submarine Group Seven said: "Submarine Group [Seven] will advance the interests of the United States and the security of prosperity of the region by effectively employing forward deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare. We will endeavor to prevent conflict but remain prepared to win decisively." It remains to be seen whether the Ohio will continue its deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean or transit toward the Middle East to supplement American naval forces in the region. Related Articles Iran Reacts to Trump Speech: 'Pure Deception'Ukraine Crisis Could Spark 'Direct' Russia-US Confrontation-NORAD CommanderWho Is Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa Who Met Trump?Photos Show Allied Jets Escorting US Bombers in New Frontline Drills 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Reveals Nuclear Submarine in China's Backyard
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine, armed with over 100 long-range missiles, to the Western Pacific Ocean amid China's rapid naval fleet expansion. The deployment of USS Ohio, a guided-missile submarine, reflected America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven, which commands submarines deployed in the Western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea, told Newsweek. Newsweek has also reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters Photos released by the U.S. Submarine Group Seven on Tuesday show the Ohio arrived at Naval Base Guam on April 23. The island of Guam is home to several U.S. military bases, serving as a major staging area to project America's power against China, which is 1,800 miles away. Under a U.S. containment strategy, Guam is part of the Second Island Chain, which aims to restrict China's naval access to the Pacific Ocean by leveraging U.S.-aligned territories. The United States guided-missile submarine USS Ohio arrives at Naval Base Guam on April 23, 2025. The United States guided-missile submarine USS Ohio arrives at Naval Base Guam on April 23, 2025. Lt. James Caliva/U.S. Navy What To Know The Ohio is one of four U.S. Navy Ohio-class guided-missile submarines, along with USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Georgia. These submarines were converted from nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines to carry conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles. Each of these submarines can be armed with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting land targets precisely from 1,000 miles away. They are also designed to support special operation missions by accommodating up to 66 personnel and their equipment. The Chinese navy—the largest in the world by hull count, with over 370 vessels, including 12 nuclear-powered submarines and 48 diesel-electric-powered submarines—has highly prioritized modernizing its submarine force, the Pentagon said in a report. The missile-armed submarine, which is homeported in Bangor, Washington, was conducting what it called "routine operations" in the U.S. Seventh Fleet, according to a photo caption. The Fleet's area of operations covers both the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The submarine was still in Guam as of May 6, when it conducted an exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps at the base. The drill was part of ongoing efforts to provide "flexible, forward-postured, and quick-response options" to regional commanders, another photo caption read. United States marines conduct an exercise aboard the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio at Naval Base Guam on May 6, 2025. United States marines conduct an exercise aboard the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio at Naval Base Guam on May 6, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Henry Sohl/U.S. Navy The Ohio and its sister ships provide "unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities" from a stealth, clandestine platform, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven said in response to a Newsweek inquiry, adding that they are ready to operate globally at any time. According to ship spotters, the Ohio left its homeport in late February for a westward voyage to Hawaii. It set sail again in early April, departing from Pearl Harbor en route to Guam. This marked the third deployment of an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine to the Western Pacific Ocean in less than a year. The Florida and the Michigan made port calls in Guam in early July and early November in 2024, respectively, Newsweek previously reported. While the Michigan shares its homeport with the Ohio, the Florida and the Georgia are based out of Kings Bay in Georgia. A satellite image captured in mid-April appears to show the Georgia docked at the island of Diego Garcia, a remote U.S. base in the Indian Ocean. 🇺🇸NSF Diego Garcia🇺🇸 ho hum... 6x KC-135, 6x B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers More interesting though is the Ohio Class sub alongside at the bravo wharf - likely USS Georgia (SSGN 729) 📷 src: @SkyfiApp | @Satellogic 19 April 2025@Schizointel — MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) April 28, 2025 What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy said: "The [guided-missile submarine] is a key element of the Navy's future fighting force. With its tremendous payload capacity, dual crew deployment concept, and inherent stealth, each [guided-missile submarine] brings mission flexibility and enhanced capabilities to the warfighter." The U.S. Submarine Group Seven said: "Submarine Group [Seven] will advance the interests of the United States and the security of prosperity of the region by effectively employing forward deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare. We will endeavor to prevent conflict but remain prepared to win decisively." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the Ohio will continue its deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean or transit toward the Middle East to supplement American naval forces in the region.
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Photos Show US Helicopters Escorting Nuclear Submarine
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A United States submarine, USS Kentucky, which is capable of firing nuclear missiles, carried out an armed air escort exercise with helicopters in the Pacific Ocean last month. Why It Matters The Kentucky is one of the 14 Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines in service with the U.S. Navy. Each submarine, often referred to as a "boomer," can carry up to 20 ballistic missiles armed with nuclear warheads, capable of striking targets over 7,456 miles away. The "boomers" are the most survivable leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, which includes strategic bombers and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to the Pentagon, because of the extreme difficulty in detecting submarines on deterrent patrols underwater at any given time. The U.S. Air Force, which is responsible for the other two legs of the country's nuclear triad, validated the readiness and capability of its nuclear-capable bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile fleets through an exercise and a test last month. What To Know A pair of U.S. Army AH-64 helicopters and a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter, as well as a submarine support vessel, were seen escorting the Kentucky during the routine armed air escort drill on April 24, according to a set of photos released by the U.S. Navy on May 2. U.S. Army AH-64 helicopters, left and right, a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter, middle, and a submarine support vessel escort the ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky during a routine armed air escort exercise at an undisclosed... U.S. Army AH-64 helicopters, left and right, a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter, middle, and a submarine support vessel escort the ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky during a routine armed air escort exercise at an undisclosed location on April 24, 2025. More Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Riley/U.S. Navy It was not clear where the exercise took place, the U.S. Navy saying that it was held at an "undisclosed location." It was also unclear whether the Kentucky, which is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, Washington state, carried any missiles during the drill. It was the first armed air escort exercise employing helicopters, the U.S. Navy Submarine Group 9, which exercises administrative control authority for assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest region, revealed in a Facebook post on May 2. "Integration between services is a force multiplier, allowing our strategic forces to deter, and if necessary, defeat our adversaries in the maritime domain," the post read, adding that the drill was built upon past events to enhance interoperability during multi-platform operations. This was not the first time America's nuclear-capable submarines have conducted an armed air escort exercise. On May 6 last year, the Kentucky's sister ship, USS Nebraska, transited the Strait of San Juan de Fuca in Washington state escorted by an A-10 attack aircraft. Such force protection exercises come as the U.S. Navy is sending its ballistic missile submarines to foreign countries for visits, according to the Federation of American Scientists, a message of deterrence conveyed by the increased visibility of the subs. One such visit was conducted by the Kentucky, which arrived at Busan in South Korea on July 18, 2023. The submarine was seen escorted by destroyers USS John Finn and USS Ralph Johnson as it sailed to the port, official released photos show. U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky, middle, is escorted by destroyers USS John Finn, front, and USS Ralph Johnson, back, during a trip to Busan in South Korea for a port visit on July... U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky, middle, is escorted by destroyers USS John Finn, front, and USS Ralph Johnson, back, during a trip to Busan in South Korea for a port visit on July 18, 2023. More Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander/U.S. Navy What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy Submarine Group 9 said: "The U.S. Navy's fleet of ballistic missile submarines are the most-survivable leg of the nuclear triad. As the tip of the spear for strategic deterrence, [ballistic missile submarine] operations demonstrate the flexibility, survivability, readiness, resolve, global reach and capability of our undersea force." Tom Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submariner and an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Newsweek: "I'm confident that [the naval escorts] are sufficient to ensure the security of our [ballistic missile submarines], as they are arguably our most vital naval platforms." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the American ballistic missile submarine fleet will conduct any port visits in the Western Pacific Ocean this year, where nuclear-armed China and North Korea continue to pose threats to the U.S. and its allies, Japan and South Korea.
Asia Times
21-03-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Sinking ship: US undersea nuclear deterrent's plunging credibility
Delays and cost overruns in the US Columbia-class SSBN program threaten the credibility of its undersea nuclear deterrent and ability to match China's naval expansion.' The US Navy's plan to replace its aging undersea nuclear deterrent faces costly delays, raising concerns about the credibility of its posture and future ability to keep pace with China's naval expansion. This month, the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report mentioning that the US Navy faces an estimated 12 to 16-month delay in the delivery of its first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), threatening the timely replacement of aging Ohio-class SSBNs. The delay, attributed to shipyard workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions and component delivery setbacks—particularly Northrop Grumman's late turbine generators and Huntington Ingalls Industries' bow section—raises concerns about the impact on subsequent submarines. The US Navy is considering extending the service life of up to five Ohio-class boats to mitigate risks, but this strategy involves additional costs and logistical hurdles. Meanwhile, the simultaneous construction of Columbia-class SSBNs and Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs) presents industrial-base challenges as shipyards and suppliers struggle to scale production. The US Navy and industry aim to increase Virginia-class production to two boats annually by 2028, yet the current output remains at 1.1-1.2 submarines per year. Rising costs compound the issue, with the Columbia-class program's procurement budget growing 12.1% in the past year alone. Further overruns could siphon funding from other US Navy shipbuilding programs, placing additional strain on the US Department of Defense's (DOD) long-term naval strategy. Amid ballooning costs and delays, the US may need to ramp up submarine production more urgently than ever. In an article this month for We Are The Mighty, Logan Nye mentions that, at present, China relies on anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) such as the DF-21D and DF-26B to keep US carrier battlegroups at bay from Taiwan. Nye points out those ASBMs are useless against SSNs that can evade them by diving. He also emphasizes that SSNs are self-sufficient for months, which may be critical if US supply chains in the Pacific are threatened. Further, in a 2024 American Affairs article, Jerry Hendrix suggests that SSNs may be considered the 'first response force' during a Taiwan conflict due to those advantages. However, Hendrix points out that the post-Cold War peace dividend eroded the US submarine industrial base, resulting in the US not having enough submarines when most needed. The situation is not much better for the US SSBN fleet, as it too suffers from a weak US submarine industrial base. The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) says that as of August 2024, 14 Ohio-class SSBNs form the foundation of the US sea-based nuclear deterrent. According to NTI, each Ohio-class SSBN has 20 missile launch tubes armed with the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The report also says the US Navy is replacing these older missiles with the Trident II D5LE, which has an upgraded guidance system for improved accuracy. The report mentions that assuming the US Navy has 12 operational Ohio-class SSBNs with 20 launch tubes each and four warheads per missile, they have 960 warheads. However, it mentions that only 8-10 Ohio-class SSBNs are typically deployed at one time due to regular minor repairs, so the number of active warheads in the field may be closer to 720. The US Navy's plan to retire Ohio-class SSBNs at approximately one per year starting in 2027 raises concerns about the credibility and survivability of the US undersea nuclear deterrent since they carry 54% of the US deployed nuclear arsenal. Emphasizing the importance of the US SSBN fleet, Geoff Wilson and other writers mention in a February 2025 Stimson Center article that SSBNs are the cornerstone of the US 'finite deterrence' doctrine, with SSBN stealth and survivability disincentivizing a first strike that would eliminate all other nuclear forces, creating strategic stability at lower cost. Wilson and others argue that the US SSBN fleet can maintain deterrence against multiple targets at a lower cost than intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), which are less critical for deterrence than other delivery options such as bombers. However, a smaller US SSBN fleet could undermine the credibility of the US undersea nuclear arsenal. In a June 2020 article for The Strategist, Thomas Mahnken and Bryan Clark argue that while the US sea-based nuclear arsenal is the most survivable leg of its nuclear triad, it is also the most brittle. Mahnken and Clark argue that if an SSBN can't launch its missiles, communicate with commanders or is destroyed, all its missiles will be lost. They also highlight that losing only one SSBN on patrol could eliminate an entire leg of the nuclear triad. Further, they point out that the lethality of the US undersea nuclear deterrent has prompted near-peer adversaries like China and Russia to enhance their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to target US SSBNs. Emphasizing the potential fragility of the US undersea nuclear arsenal, they project that during the 2030s, it is probable that only one Columbia-class SSBN will be operational at any given time in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, supported by one or two vessels at sea as backup. Despite those fragility concerns, Owen Cote Jr mentions in a January 2019 article in the peer-reviewed Bulletin of Atomic Scientists journal that SSBNs remain the most credible deterrent for the US due to their unmatched survivability and stealth. Cote Jr. highlights the historical effectiveness of US SSBNs, particularly during the Cold War, when they proved resilient against Soviet ASW capabilities. He also addresses concerns about emerging technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, which could make oceans transparent. Regarding those concerns, Cote Jr says these fears are largely unfounded, emphasizing the US's advanced acoustic surveillance systems, such as SOSUS and the Fixed Distributed System (FDS), that can detect Chinese or Russian submarines alongside its favorable maritime geography encompassing vast swathes of the Atlantic and Pacific, make it exceedingly difficult for near-peer adversaries to detect its SSBNs. Further, Stephen Biddle and Eric Labs mention in a Foreign Policy article this month that while China's shipbuilding capacity dwarfs the US's by a factor of 230, US warships are typically larger and have superior sensors, electronics and weapons. Contextualizing submarine capabilities, Biddle and Labs mention that China's submarine force consists of mostly conventionally powered submarines, while the US operates an all-nuclear fleet of 49 SSNs, 14 SSBNs and four nuclear cruise missile submarines (SSGN). They emphasize that, unlike their Chinese counterparts, US crews have battle experience and superior training. However, Biddle and Labs say that China is building aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines in half the time it takes the US to make the same vessels. They caution that the US places itself at serious risk by assuming future wars will be short and that debates over the US-China naval balance should be tempered by considering the dynamics of competitive production for naval wars of attrition.
