Latest news with #USSOhio
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.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The US Navy's oldest active submarine — the missile-packed USS Ohio — is back in action for unrestricted ops in the Pacific
The US Navy's oldest active submarine is back for operations in the Pacific after a three-year maintenance period. The USS Ohio is a first-in-class nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine. The repairs were major, including interior work and modernization efforts. The US Navy's oldest submarine still in active service has returned to the fleet after three years of maintenance. The USS Ohio finished major repairs last month and is now certified for unrestricted operations in the Indo-Pacific region, a priority theater where more than half the US Navy submarine fleet is positioned to respond to regional threats. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Washington, announced the completion last week, writing in a release that the nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine had undergone interior mechanical repairs and shaft replacement. The main ballast tanks and superstructure were also fixed, and the submarine underwent several modernization tweaks, including torpedo tube upgrades. The Ohio was commissioned in 1981 as a ballistic missile sub, part of the fleet of so-called "boomers" that make up the strategic undersea leg of the US nuclear triad, before it was converted to a guided-missile sub packed with cruise missiles. During the recently concluded maintenance, its age meant that the team faced hurdles in overcoming some obsolete materials and designs. Restoring the Ohio was a top Navy priority. Rear Adm. Thomas Wall, commander, Submarine Group Nine, said the submarine's "operational readiness plays a direct role in our undersea warfighter's continued ability to achieve peace through strength." The Ohio will now be returning to the Pacific. The region is significant in US force posturing amid concerns about China, which is building up its naval forces by leveraging its massive shipbuilding juggernaut. Nuclear-powered guided-missile subs, also known as SSGNs, like the Ohio are critical to US undersea capabilities. As a boomer, or SSBN, the Ohio conducted strategic deterrence patrols with nuclear-armed Trident submarine-launched ballistic missiles. After it underwent an overhaul between 2002 and 2006, it was equipped to carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. As an SSGN, the Ohio has been a part of a number of notable deployments, though not always highly publicized. In June 2010, it was one of the three Ohio-class submarines to surface simultaneously in different parts of the Indo-Pacific, a surprisingly visible event that sent a message to China. Although the Ohio has rejoined the fleet, its future remains unclear. The Navy's shipbuilding plan would retire it and the USS Florida in 2026, as well as the USS Michigan and USS Georgia in 2028, severely depleting the submarine force's capabilities. Improvements to Virginia-class attack submarines are expected to replace the lost Ohio-class SSGN capabilities, but delays have hamstrung related submarine projects, including new Columbia-class submarines, as the Navy grapples with a range of shipbuilding challenges that have set top programs back by years. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Port of Subs coming to Spokane, Coeur d'Alene
Mar. 5—Ben Pearson kind of has a thing about serving subs. The Mead High School graduate, who served most of an eight-year career on a nuclear submarine for the U.S. Navy, has signed on as a regional developer who will work with other franchisees to open about 10 local Port of Subs restaurants in Spokane, the Tri-Cities and Coeur d'Alene. So a guy who once served on submarines could finish his career serving submarine sandwiches. "That's a coincidence," Pearson said of his submarine career, from which he retired from the Navy as a Petty Officer First Class, "but a comical coincidence." The first restaurant will likely open sometime around September in Kennewick, where Pearson has called home for the past 15 years. After serving on the USS Ohio, a 560-foot-nuclear-powered-ballistic-missile submarine, Pearson worked as the senior manager of hydrogeneration for the Grant County PUD. "I was just ready to do something new and different," Pearson said. "I've always had entrepreneurial aspirations. I had been looking for an opportunity to make that happen that isn't extremely risky for myself and my family." Then he came across Port of Subs, which was looking for regional developers to help manage the company's expansion. Port of Subs makes fresh-to-order sandwiches while the customer looks on, comparable to Subway. The chain offers hot subs, cold subs and wraps, salads, breakfast items, basked desserts and drinks. Specific subs include the Classic Sub #1, with ham, salami, capicolla, pepperoni, provolone cheese and the guest's choice of toppings, like shredded lettuce, tomato, oregano, Pomace Olive Oil and red wine vinegar, or the warmed Grilled Chicken Buffalo melt with grilled chicken strips, provolone and Frank's Red Sauce. Subs can be ordered in 5-, 8-, 12- or 24-inch lengths. "I had never heard of it before. There are a couple locations on the West Side near Seattle. I tried the food," he said. "It was incredible. It's probably the best sub sandwich I ever had at a restaurant." Port of Subs is owned by parent company Area 15 Ventures, which is based in Colorado. Port of Subs is using the regional developer program to coordinate other franchisees, who would then operate individual restaurants. "They have a phenomenal business plan and model to expand this nationwide," Pearson said. Area 15 Ventures is led by Dave Liniger, who is also the chairman and co-founder of RE/MAX realty company. Area 15 recently hired regional developers in Washington, D.C., Florida, Texas and Arizona. "There's a lot of national food chains, but Port of Subs is really a community-central brand," Pearson said. "They really lean into the community and want to be part of the community. They want to be locally owned ... and be a positive influence. That's a big part of the business." Coming to Spokane Plans remain underway to open the first restaurant later this summer in Kennewick. Pearson hopes to also help set up restaurants in Spokane, Pasco, Walla Walla, Ritzville Richland and Coeur d'Alene. The timing for the restaurants will depend in signing franchisees and finding locations. "We look forward to continuing our expansion into the Pacific Northwest with a dedicated regional developer leading the way," Healey Mendicino, president of Port of Subs, said in a news release. "Ben's experience and familiarity with the region perfectly prepare him to lead our brand expansion in Washington. Port of Subs has been driving rapid growth, and we're thrilled to continue to attract dedicated entrepreneurs like Ben to our growing brand." Pearson, 45, grew up in Colville before moving to Spokane to attend high school. His brother and sister both have families in the Lilac City. "Tri-Cities is a booming area. A lot of people are moving here," he said. He hopes to contribute to that economic success. "A lot of people may not know what Port of Subs is. Subway is a very well known brand," Pearson said. "But Port of Subs is really focused on customer service and the community and they have really high-quality food. I think that's what will separate Port of Subs from the competition."
