Latest news with #Ohio-class
Newsweek
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Doubles Down on Nuclear Submarine Plans in South Pacific
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 continues to send its nuclear-powered submarines to Australia—its key South Pacific ally—even as the Trump administration reviews the countries' naval cooperation. USS Ohio, an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, arrived in Brisbane—on Australia's eastern coast—on Sunday. The visit coincides with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day on August 15, which marks the end of World War II in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy said. Why It Matters The U.S. and the United Kingdom are assisting Australia in acquiring conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines under AUKUS. However, the trilateral pact is now under review to determine whether it aligns with President Donald Trump's "America First" policy. The review comes amid China's naval buildup, with the East Asian power now operating the world's largest navy by hull count. AUKUS—established under the Biden administration—calls for the U.S. to sell up to five Virginia-class fast-attack submarines to its Pacific ally. The deployment of the Ohio is part of the Pentagon's efforts to bolster its naval presence across the Pacific, including the recent reassignment of two East Coast-based fast-attack submarines—USS Toledo and USS Indiana—to a Hawaii-based unit earlier this month. What To Know The Ohio—capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles—moored alongside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable, which arrived in Brisbane a day earlier. The Frank Cable provides critical maintenance and logistics support to submarines in the Indo-Pacific. According to the U.S. Navy, the Ohio is the first Ohio-class submarine to visit Brisbane. Homeported in Bangor, Washington, the submarine has been operating in the western Pacific since April, making two stopovers in Guam, including the most recent in late June. The United States Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio prepares to moor alongside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit on July 27. The United States Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio prepares to moor alongside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit on July 27. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Haley Wilson/U.S. Navy The submarine—one of four in its class converted from carrying nuclear ballistic missiles to 1,000-mile-range conventional land-attack missiles—can also accommodate up to 66 special operations personnel. Its sister ships are USS Michigan, USS Florida and USS Georgia. This was not the first time Australia hosted an American nuclear-powered submarine. USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class submarine homeported in Guam, made port calls on Australia's western coast in late February and its northern coast in late March during its deployment. The arrival of the Ohio also coincided with the ongoing multinational Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, held across Australia with participation from the U.S. military. The war game focused on countering China's military threat and featured a number of missile drills. It remains unclear whether the submarine's visit to Australia is part of the ongoing war game. According to the U.S. Navy, the submarine is conducting "routine operations" within the Seventh Fleet's operating area, which encompasses the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. What People Are Saying The U.S. Submarine Group Seven said in a news release on Sunday: "During World War II, Brisbane served as a major submarine hub, hosting over 70 U.S. Navy submarines and three submarine tenders. Steeped in U.S. naval history, Brisbane continues to play a role in the shared history of the two nations, as evidenced by Frank Cable's visit." U.S. Navy Captain Mike Thompson, the commanding officer of USS Frank Cable, said in a news release on Saturday: "U.S. and Australian forces have a proud history dating back to World War I of working together to further our shared commitment and values of freedom and democracy. We are grateful to have the opportunity to visit Brisbane to help strengthen our relationship with our allies who share our interest of preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the Pentagon will continue deploying its submarine fleet to Australia, given the uncertainty surrounding the future of AUKUS.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane news live: US nuclear submarine arrives in Brisbane; European Union reaches 15 per cent trade deal with Trump
Go to latest US nuclear submarine arrives in Brisbane On Sunday, the US Navy Ohio-class submarine USS Ohio arrived in Brisbane for a historic scheduled port visit mooring alongside the submarine tender (repair ship) USS Frank Cable, which pulled in on Saturday. It is the first Ohio-class submarine to pull into Brisbane, arriving ahead of the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day on August 15, which marks the end of World War II in the Pacific. The celebration marks decades of shared US-Australian history and co-operation. During World War II, Brisbane served as a major submarine hub, hosting more than 70 US submarines and three submarine tenders. During the port visit, Ohio will host tours and engagements for distinguished visitors, national and local community leaders. The visit also coincides with the current war games exercise Talisman Sabre in the Northern Territory involving Australian, US and Canadian military. The super carrier USS America also recently docked in Brisbane, and Brisbane Times was granted a tour of the ship. 6.58am Hopes Margot Robbie will star in Queensland film before Brisbane Olympics By A campaign is under way in Queensland to bring Hollywood heavyweight Margot Robbie home for a special Olympics Games project. Screen Queensland has approached the Barbie star with a proposal to return home and make a film to put the state on the map ahead of the Brisbane 2032 games. The actress was born in Dalby in the Western Downs and raised on the Gold Coast, and has visited her home state in previous years for holidays. She also returned to the Gold Coast for work last year to accept the Trailblazer Award at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards on the Gold Coast. With a busy schedule, film industry bosses believe it will take the right project to get the actress back to the state. The industry believes the Brisbane 2032 games presents the opportunity to put the state's film industry front and centre globally. Screen Queensland has proposed the actresses' production company LuckyChap Entertainment produce the film. 6.57am US nuclear submarine arrives in Brisbane On Sunday, the US Navy Ohio-class submarine USS Ohio arrived in Brisbane for a historic scheduled port visit mooring alongside the submarine tender (repair ship) USS Frank Cable, which pulled in on Saturday. It is the first Ohio-class submarine to pull into Brisbane, arriving ahead of the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day on August 15, which marks the end of World War II in the Pacific. The celebration marks decades of shared US-Australian history and co-operation. During World War II, Brisbane served as a major submarine hub, hosting more than 70 US submarines and three submarine tenders. During the port visit, Ohio will host tours and engagements for distinguished visitors, national and local community leaders. The visit also coincides with the current war games exercise Talisman Sabre in the Northern Territory involving Australian, US and Canadian military. 6.56am Today's weather After a showery and stormy weekend, the week kicks off in Brisbane with a sunny winter day and a cool top of 21 degrees. Here's the seven-day outlook: 6.55am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: The European Union has ended months of dispute with US President Donald Trump by accepting a deal that imposes 15 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars in exports. The deal was unveiled in Scotland on Sunday during Trump's visit to his golf estates, as hundreds of protesters gathered to object to his visit. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made it clear he will not be rushed into recognising Palestinian statehood, despite energetic lobbying by French President Emmanuel Macron and rising demands from the Labor Party's rank-and-file. Australians are voicing a strong desire for the country to assert more independence from the United States amid Donald Trump's turbulent presidency, with most voters saying they do not blame Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to secure a meeting with the US President. The architect of Australia's current research integrity system says it is no longer fit for purpose and has called for the establishment of an independent scientific watchdog. And in sport, Australian Oscar Piastri has won the Belgian Grand Prix and furthered his championship lead, while his teammate Lando Norris had to settle for second during a rain-interrupted race at Spa. 6.46am Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Monday, July 28. Today should be a sunny day, with a top temperature of 21 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: Queensland Premier David Crisafulli faces the most consequential report card of his 10-month rule this week when he receives the victims of crime statistics for the first six months since the passage of his government's signature Making Queensland Safer laws. Queensland's major public sector union will push for a staff-led approach to artificial intelligence use in white-collar and administrative roles where it can help workers without undermining jobs. A multibillion-dollar American casino company's attempts to introduce its brand to Australia may have come unstuck, thanks to a small suburban bowls club. A Fiji Airways Boeing 737 MAX was damaged at Brisbane's international airport after an aerobridge incident at the weekend – the third in as many months at the airport. All Queensland hospital and health services will audit how they recruit, manage and monitor senior doctors after one was 'pushed through' into an unadvertised and difficult-to-fill specialist role. Staff were scared to take on a celebrated Queensland scientist who had won millions in government funding but was found to be a fraudster. Eventually, they had enough. La Boite's new show has well-loved Brisbane buildings demolished at a rate that would shock Joh Bjelke-Petersen.
The Age
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Brisbane news live: US nuclear submarine arrives in Brisbane; European Union reaches 15 per cent trade deal with Trump
Go to latest US nuclear submarine arrives in Brisbane On Sunday, the US Navy Ohio-class submarine USS Ohio arrived in Brisbane for a historic scheduled port visit mooring alongside the submarine tender (repair ship) USS Frank Cable, which pulled in on Saturday. It is the first Ohio-class submarine to pull into Brisbane, arriving ahead of the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day on August 15, which marks the end of World War II in the Pacific. The celebration marks decades of shared US-Australian history and co-operation. During World War II, Brisbane served as a major submarine hub, hosting more than 70 US submarines and three submarine tenders. During the port visit, Ohio will host tours and engagements for distinguished visitors, national and local community leaders. The visit also coincides with the current war games exercise Talisman Sabre in the Northern Territory involving Australian, US and Canadian military. The super carrier USS America also recently docked in Brisbane, and Brisbane Times was granted a tour of the ship. 6.58am Hopes Margot Robbie will star in Queensland film before Brisbane Olympics By A campaign is under way in Queensland to bring Hollywood heavyweight Margot Robbie home for a special Olympics Games project. Screen Queensland has approached the Barbie star with a proposal to return home and make a film to put the state on the map ahead of the Brisbane 2032 games. The actress was born in Dalby in the Western Downs and raised on the Gold Coast, and has visited her home state in previous years for holidays. She also returned to the Gold Coast for work last year to accept the Trailblazer Award at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards on the Gold Coast. With a busy schedule, film industry bosses believe it will take the right project to get the actress back to the state. The industry believes the Brisbane 2032 games presents the opportunity to put the state's film industry front and centre globally. Screen Queensland has proposed the actresses' production company LuckyChap Entertainment produce the film. 6.57am US nuclear submarine arrives in Brisbane On Sunday, the US Navy Ohio-class submarine USS Ohio arrived in Brisbane for a historic scheduled port visit mooring alongside the submarine tender (repair ship) USS Frank Cable, which pulled in on Saturday. It is the first Ohio-class submarine to pull into Brisbane, arriving ahead of the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day on August 15, which marks the end of World War II in the Pacific. The celebration marks decades of shared US-Australian history and co-operation. During World War II, Brisbane served as a major submarine hub, hosting more than 70 US submarines and three submarine tenders. During the port visit, Ohio will host tours and engagements for distinguished visitors, national and local community leaders. The visit also coincides with the current war games exercise Talisman Sabre in the Northern Territory involving Australian, US and Canadian military. 6.56am Today's weather After a showery and stormy weekend, the week kicks off in Brisbane with a sunny winter day and a cool top of 21 degrees. Here's the seven-day outlook: 6.55am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: The European Union has ended months of dispute with US President Donald Trump by accepting a deal that imposes 15 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars in exports. The deal was unveiled in Scotland on Sunday during Trump's visit to his golf estates, as hundreds of protesters gathered to object to his visit. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made it clear he will not be rushed into recognising Palestinian statehood, despite energetic lobbying by French President Emmanuel Macron and rising demands from the Labor Party's rank-and-file. Australians are voicing a strong desire for the country to assert more independence from the United States amid Donald Trump's turbulent presidency, with most voters saying they do not blame Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to secure a meeting with the US President. The architect of Australia's current research integrity system says it is no longer fit for purpose and has called for the establishment of an independent scientific watchdog. And in sport, Australian Oscar Piastri has won the Belgian Grand Prix and furthered his championship lead, while his teammate Lando Norris had to settle for second during a rain-interrupted race at Spa. 6.46am Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Monday, July 28. Today should be a sunny day, with a top temperature of 21 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: Queensland Premier David Crisafulli faces the most consequential report card of his 10-month rule this week when he receives the victims of crime statistics for the first six months since the passage of his government's signature Making Queensland Safer laws. Queensland's major public sector union will push for a staff-led approach to artificial intelligence use in white-collar and administrative roles where it can help workers without undermining jobs. A multibillion-dollar American casino company's attempts to introduce its brand to Australia may have come unstuck, thanks to a small suburban bowls club. A Fiji Airways Boeing 737 MAX was damaged at Brisbane's international airport after an aerobridge incident at the weekend – the third in as many months at the airport. All Queensland hospital and health services will audit how they recruit, manage and monitor senior doctors after one was 'pushed through' into an unadvertised and difficult-to-fill specialist role. Staff were scared to take on a celebrated Queensland scientist who had won millions in government funding but was found to be a fraudster. Eventually, they had enough. La Boite's new show has well-loved Brisbane buildings demolished at a rate that would shock Joh Bjelke-Petersen.
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Nuclear-Armed US Submarine Surfaces Near Europe
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 armed with nuclear ballistic missiles recently operated in the North Atlantic Ocean near Portugal's Azores islands, the Navy confirmed to Newsweek. The presence of USS Maryland, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, coincided with the deployment of an E-6B Mercury aircraft—capable of communicating with nuclear-armed submarines. The Navy also confirmed to Newsweek the aircraft's presence in the region. Why It Matters While ballistic missile submarines are tasked with deterrent patrols and launching missiles if necessary, it has not been uncommon for the Navy to publicize their movements in recent years—including participating in exercises with other units and preparing for deployments. What To Know The U.S. Navy operates a fleet of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, each capable of carrying up to 20 submarine-launched ballistic missiles armed with multiple nuclear warheads. The fleet is split between two home ports on the East and West Coasts. CNN Portugal reported that a U.S. nuclear submarine arrived at the port of Praia da Vitória, on the island of Terceira in the Azores, on Sunday afternoon. The report, which described the visit as "extremely rare," identified the submarine as the Pacific-based USS Michigan. Praia da Vitória is in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 944 miles west of mainland Portugal. Commander Tim Gorman, U.S. Sixth Fleet spokesperson, told Newsweek that the submarine in question was the Maryland, not the Michigan. The Maryland—homeported in Kings Bay, Georgia—"operated in the vicinity of the Azores and conducted a brief stop for personnel." It remains unclear whether the Maryland was conducting a patrol at the time. It and its sister ships normally spend 77 days underway at sea with either the Blue or Gold crew. This two-crew system maximizes the submarine's "strategic availability," according to the Navy. This was not the first time the Navy simultaneously deployed a ballistic missile submarine and an E-6B aircraft in the Sixth Fleet's area of responsibility—a vast region that covers half the Atlantic Ocean and all of Europe—according to a map shown on the fleet's website. Just over a year ago, on June 23, one of the Maryland's sister ships, USS Tennessee, was transiting on the surface in the Norwegian Sea while an E-6B aircraft flew overhead. "It's certainly true that where Ohio [ballistic missile submarines] go, in general, an E-6B is usually not that far away," the specialist outlet The War Zone commented at the time. The United States Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS "Maryland" returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, on May 26, 2022. The United States Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS "Maryland" returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, on May 26, 2022. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Xavier Saldana/U.S. Navy Meanwhile, the Michigan, homeported in Bangor, Washington, is one of four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines. Originally armed with nuclear ballistic missiles, it was later converted to carry up to 154 cruise missiles, used for conventional land-attack missions. Last December, the Navy awarded the crew of the Michigan for "extremely meritorious service" between October 2022 and January 2024, after completing three "missions vital to national security" that significantly enhanced warfighting readiness in the Western Pacific. What People Are Saying Commander Tim Gorman, U.S. Sixth Fleet spokesperson, told Newsweek: "These evolutions enhance the [ballistic missile submarine] force's resupply capabilities, strengthen cooperation between the United States and European Allies, and demonstrate U.S. capability, readiness, flexibility, and continuing commitment as part of NATO." A U.S. Navy spokesperson told Newsweek: "The U.S. Navy can confirm that an E-6B Mercury aircraft did operate over the North Atlantic Ocean. We operate aircraft and vessels wherever international law allows and coordinate closely with allies and partners to address shared security concerns." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. military will disclose additional activities of its nuclear forces to demonstrate its deterrent capabilities, as other major nuclear-armed states—including Russia and China—continue to modernize and expand their arsenals.
Business Insider
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Strikes on Iran showed the need for stealthy submarines that can launch a whole lot of missiles. The US Navy is about to lose that.
A US Navy guided-missile submarine was involved in recent strikes on Iran's nuclear program. Ohio-class cruise-missile subs host massive firepower and are difficult to detect. But they're going to be decommissioned in coming years. A US Navy guided-missile submarine launched dozens of missiles into Iran as part of the larger US attack on the country's nuclear program, the vessel's Tomahawk cruise missiles doing significant damage. President Donald Trump singled out US submarines and the fleet's guided-missile submarines after the strikes, praising them as "far and away the strongest and best equipment we have" and "the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built." But despite the latest demonstration of their power, the days of the US fleet's biggest missile shooters are numbered. No other US warship carries even close to as many cruise missiles as its four aging Ohio-class cruise missile subs, raising questions about coming capabilities and filling that gap. Strikes on Iran The US military launched a massive strike on Iran's nuclear program, targeting facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on Saturday. While much of the focus for the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes has been on the B-2 Spirit bombers and the huge bombs they dropped, another key part of the operation involved a Navy guided-missile submarine firing from an undisclosed location in the Middle East. In comments about the operation, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine didn't specify which submarine was involved, and the Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense declined to discuss it due to operational security concerns. The term "guided-missile submarine," which Caine used, refers to the Navy's Ohio-class SSGNs, and the large number of missiles launched during the operation also points to an Ohio-class boat. Ohio-class submarines, built by General Dynamics' Electric Boat division, were originally a force of 18 nuclear-powered ballistic missile vessels first commissioned in 1981 with a sole mission of the highest stakes: carrying missiles with nuclear warheads. In the 2000s, the Navy converted four of them into cruise-missile submarines, ending their role in the nuclear forces and turning them into the US fleet's most stealthy and numerous missile shooters. Although they're now 40 years old, these capable submarines are some of the quietest in the world, Bryan Clark, a retired Navy submarine officer and defense expert at the Hudson Institute, told Business Insider. "This is in large part because of their size, which allows for substantial dampening and sound silencing equipment," he said, "as well as their aggressive maintenance program. Each SSGN carries 154 Tomahawk missiles and can carry about two dozen special operators." SSGN is an abbreviation for "subsurface guided nuclear," with SS standing for submarine, G for guided missile, and N for nuclear propulsion. Those four subs can launch more than half of the missiles the Navy's submarine fleet is able to fire from vertical launch systems, according to the service. Even the newest attack subs carry only a small fraction of an SSGN's missile arsenal, and surface warships must carry a mix of missiles in their vertical launchers to defend against aerial threats. This past weekend's attack on Iran included 75 precision-guided weapons in total, including GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetration bunker-buster bombs dropped by US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. Trump, in the Monday Truth Social post that praised subs, said one SSGN had launched 30 Tomahawk missiles in total during the attack. Reduced firepower The Navy plans to decommission two of its Ohio-class SSGNs in 2026 and the other two in 2028, replacing them with Virginia-class Block V submarines. These won't be dedicated cruise missile submarines, but they will boast greater firepower than earlier Virginias. Military leaders and experts have expressed concerns about the replacement plan and the loss of missile capacity. "The US will experience a big drop in its capacity for stealthy missile attacks," Clark said. The Block V Virginia-class attack submarines will each be able to carry up to 40 Tomahawk missiles, far less than the Ohio SSGNs, a concern as the US attempts to turn its focus to higher-end threats and potential conflicts. This means Navy officials will have to deploy four or more Virginia-class attack subs to fire as many long-range missiles, reducing the number of attack subs for other missions they are specially built for: surveillance and ship-killing. Additionally, the Ohio-class SSGNs have two crews of about 150 sailors that rotate the sub back and forth, allowing it to maximize its deployed time. Over two decades of operations, these subs have earned reputations as workhorses. Another problem is that the Block V submarines are facing years-long delays and rising costs due to persistent US Navy shipbuilding problems that could leave a capability gap. A Navy review last year estimated the delay to contract delivery for Virginia Block Vs at approximately 24 months. Other top-priority programs, like the Constellation-class frigate, Virginia Block IV submarines, and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, are also behind schedule. The Trump administration has made fixing the shipbuilding problems contributing to these delays a top priority, standing up an office in the White House dedicated to shipbuilding. Recent congressional hearings have examined a number of problems, some dating back decades to the end of the Cold War. Issues like competitive pay for shipbuilders, workforce and labor problems, and training and shipbuilding capacity woes have repeatedly caused programs to run behind, With the Virginia-class Block Vs delayed, retiring the Ohio-class submarines could limit the stealthy cruise-missile strike capabilities of the Navy's submarine force. "Unless the Navy delays the Ohio retirements, the Navy's submarine-launched missile capacity will not return to today's levels until the mid-2030s," Clark said, when the Virginia Block Vs are expected to be completed. And even when the Block Vs are delivered, they won't bring the same firepower.
