New secret US submarine conversions now revealed

[The Sailor]

Four Ohio class nuclear submarines have been converted as the US Navy's newest weapon.

The USS Ohio was recently converted from a ballistic missile submarine to a guided-missile submarine and was the first of four in its class to undergo the conversion.

"Today is a very special day for the Sailors on board the USS Ohio and this marks a major installment for the nation," said Rear Adm. Frank M. Drennan, commander Submarine Group TRIDENT. "We took a covert platform with immense volume and created a base at sea for special operations forces."

In December, Ohio completed its conversion to a guided-missile submarine and is now capable of hauling more than 150 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 60 special operations force members for extended periods of time. This conversion is a colossal step forward in the Navy's ability to continue to provide a forward deployed presence.

The new and improved submarine platform provides national decision makers with robust conventional missile strike capabilities and the ability to embark, deploy and provide command and control functions for special operations forces.

Ohio was the first Trident submarine ever built. The ship entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Nov. 15, 2002.

USS Michigan (SSGN 727) and USS Florida (SSGN 728) have also completed their conversion process and are in the testing and certification phase. USS Georgia (SSGN 729) is scheduled to complete its conversion later this year.

http://navysite.de/ssbn/ssbn726.htm

[Don Boyer]

The USS Ohio happened to pass through Hawaii around the last time North Korea was engaging in its usual round of childish temper tantrum throwing. I happened to have had the chance to photograph her entrance into Pearl Harbor.

[steve roberts]

Hi All. In these relatively "Peaceful" Times.This seems to be the logical step for the older Ohio's.Cruise Missiles and SEAL's,wow what a combination.I take it they can carry a couple of SDV's as well? Regards Steve.:eek:

[harry.gibbon]

A thoroughly excellent use for such a vessel... gives another variation to the accustomed thinking of the stealth approach and this time by a major warship. I Like!!!

Little h

[Blaydon]

I would assume the two structures behind the sail are hangars for SDV and associated equipment.

[John Odom]

Good decision. They will be useful ships. Even if never used they will give bad guys pause by their very existence. Great photos, Don.

[Don Boyer]

Those are the "Swimmer Delivery Vehicle" hangers on the deck of Ohio. All hush-hush stuff that goes in there no doubt! I note every time one of these newly-modified SSGNs shows up, they are always surrounded by little fast boats full of men with machine guns.

Also interesting that both times in the past couple of years when North Korea was being its usual missile-launching tantrum-throwing self, one of these SSGNs would quietly pass through Pearl going in one direction or the other....

I would imagine 150 plus Tomahawks parked off your coastline (or, both coastlines for 300 plus) might be cause for serious reflection on one's path to glory... :) The new generation of Tomahawk is a real jewel in itself...far superior to those we saw with Desert Storm and such.