Norfolk Naval Shipyard Undocks US Navy USS Wyoming Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.

USS Wyoming (SSBN-742) Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine of U.S. Navy successfully undocked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Nov. 6, a key milestone in the boat’s Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO).

The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) successfully undocks at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Nov. 6, 2019, a key milestone in the boat's engineered refueling overhaul. (Picture source US Navy)

“Wyoming Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine is now one step closer to completing its Engineered Refueling Overhaul and providing superior warfighting capability back to the Fleet,” said Shipyard Commander Captain Kai Torkelson. “This is a critical piece in the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy, as Wyoming and the other Ohio-class submarines make up one leg of the nuclear triad. Thank you to everyone who has been contributing to this critical work of refueling and upgrading the boat during its ERO.”

Wyoming has been at NNSY since January 2018 undergoing refueling and modernization. In a first for the shipyard, Enlisted Women at Sea ship alterations are being performed onboard, modifying the layout of berthing areas.

The Wyoming project team has achieved several successes so far during this overhaul, meeting a number of key events early and with first-time quality. Additionally, the team has set new standards in safety and boat cleanliness, resulting in the lowest Total Case Injury Rate for an ERO.

The Ohio class of nuclear-powered submarines includes the United States Navy's 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and its four cruise missile submarines (SSGNs). Each displacing 18,750 tons submerged, the Ohio-class boats are the largest submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy. They are the world's third-largest submarines, behind the Russian Navy's Soviet-designed 48,000-ton Typhoon class and 24,000-ton Borei class. The Ohios carry more missiles than either: 24 Trident II missiles apiece, versus 16 by the Borei class (20 by the Borei II) and 20 by the Typhoon class.