USS Ohio nuclear submarine returns to the Pacific with more firepower than all bombs in World War II combined.

On March 13, 2025, the US Naval Sea Systems Command announced that the USS Ohio (SSGN 726), the first nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine of its class, had completed its three-year Major Maintenance Period (MMP) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). The maintenance availability concluded on February 24, 2025, with Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 07) granting certification for unrestricted operations. This extensive overhaul ensures the submarine remains operationally capable for joint and combined missions, a crucial step in its return to the Indo-Pacific theater.
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The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) transited Puget Sound on December 19, 2024, during routine operations under the administrative oversight of Submarine Group 9 in the Pacific Northwest. (Picture source: US DoD)

More than half of the U.S. Navy's submarine force is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's expanding naval capabilities in the region, including the forward deployment of Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, such as the USS Minnesota, to Naval Base Guam. Several other nations also deploy or plan to deploy submarines in the region. For instance, Australia, under the AUKUS partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom, plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, including future SSN-AUKUS-class vessels, to enhance its maritime capabilities. Singapore has commissioned Invincible-class (Type 218SG) submarines, while India is modernizing its fleet with Kalvari-class (Scorpène-class) submarines. China operates a substantial submarine force, including Jin-class ballistic missile submarines and Shang-class attack submarines, while Pakistan has received Hangor-class submarines, an export version of China's 039A model.

The three-year Major Maintenance Period (MMP) of the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) involved over 512,000 resource days of work and included structural and mechanical upgrades such as shaft replacement, torpedo tube modernization, main ballast tank repairs, and superstructure preservation. Additional work addressed material obsolescence issues, requiring cross-program collaboration within NAVSEA. One specific issue involved replacing a difficult-to-access section of trim and drain piping with minimal wall thickness, which was resolved through the construction of a mock-up and a new reinforcement method that minimized interference removal time. Project Superintendent Josh Fleming of Code 326 USS Ohio Project Team noted that the alternating crew structure minimized disruptions, allowing the work schedule to remain stable throughout the docking period.

Constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat, the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) was originally commissioned as a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in 1981, becoming the first U.S. Navy submarine to carry 24 Trident C4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. During its time as an SSBN, the USS Ohio played a critical role in nuclear deterrence under the U.S. Navy’s strategic fleet, operating from Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington. Each patrol lasted approximately 70 days, with Blue and Gold crews rotating to maintain operational readiness.

Following the 1994 Nuclear Posture Review, which determined that 14 SSBNs would be sufficient for U.S. strategic needs, the U.S. Navy decided to convert four Ohio-class submarines into guided-missile submarines (SSGNs). The USS Ohio was selected for this transformation, beginning a three-year refit in 2002. The process involved removing the Trident missile launch system and retrofitting 22 missile tubes to house up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, while the remaining two tubes were modified into lockout chambers for special operations forces. The submarine also received enhanced communications and intelligence-gathering capabilities, making it an effective platform for conventional strike missions and special warfare support.

The USS Ohio was originally commissioned as a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in 1981, becoming the first U.S. Navy submarine to carry 24 Trident C4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. (Picture source: Commander, Submarine Group 9)

Since rejoining the fleet as an SSGN in 2006, the USS Ohio has participated in numerous forward-deployed missions. In 2010, it was involved in a highly publicized deployment where three Ohio-class SSGNs surfaced simultaneously in different parts of the world in response to Chinese missile tests. Additionally, it played a role in supporting special operations forces and conducting Tomahawk missile strike training exercises. The submarine was also notable for integrating the first female officers into the U.S. submarine force in 2011 and received multiple awards, including the Battle Efficiency Award (Battle "E"), which recognized its operational excellence.

Rear Adm. Thomas Wall, commander of Submarine Group Nine, highlighted the importance of these four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) in maintaining operational presence in the Indo-Pacific, where more than half of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force is deployed. However, while the USS Ohio has now returned to active service, its future remains uncertain. The U.S. Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan indicates that the first two Ohio-class SSGNs—USS Ohio and USS Florida—are slated for retirement in 2026, with USS Michigan and USS Georgia following in 2028. The retirement of these four submarines will significantly reduce the Navy’s vertical launch payload capacity, given that they currently constitute nearly half of the Submarine Force’s Tomahawk missile launch capability.

To compensate for the reduction in guided-missile capability following the retirement of the SSGNs, the Navy is procuring Block V Virginia-class attack submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which will feature four large-diameter vertical launch tubes capable of deploying up to 28 Tomahawk missiles per boat. This accompanies the transition to the Columbia-class SSBNs, with the first expected to enter service in 2031. The Columbia class will carry 16 missiles instead of 24 but will feature advancements in stealth, reactor longevity, and survivability.

The Ohio-class submarines were developed in the early 1970s as a successor to the "41 for Freedom" fleet of SSBNs, which had been in service since the late 1950s. Compared to the earlier Benjamin Franklin and Lafayette classes, the Ohio-class submarines are among the most destructive military platforms ever built, as a single Ohio-class SSBN could carry warheads totaling more destructive power than all the bombs used in World War II combined. SSGNs, on the other hand, have the firepower of an entire surface battle group, carrying up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Their ability to launch dozens of Tomahawks in quick succession allows them to neutralize strategic targets from thousands of kilometers away, making them invaluable in modern warfare.

As the largest class ever built for the U.S. Navy, the Ohio-class submarines measure 170 meters in length, with a beam of 13 meters and a maximum draft of 10.8 meters. (Picture source: US DoD)

The fleet of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) consists of 14 units, each capable of carrying up to 24 Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730) was the only boat in the class not named after a U.S. state, honoring a senator instrumental in U.S. strategic policy. USS Alabama (SSBN-731) has been a key component of the Pacific-based deterrent force, while USS Alaska (SSBN-732) and USS Nevada (SSBN-733) have also operated in the Pacific, conducting extended deterrent patrols. USS Tennessee (SSBN-734) was the first in the class to be equipped with Trident II D5 missiles, setting the standard for subsequent boats.

The USS Pennsylvania (SSBN-735) holds the record for the longest strategic deterrent patrol. USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) and USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) have conducted multiple deterrence missions in the Atlantic fleet. USS Maryland (SSBN-738) and USS Nebraska (SSBN-739) have been integral to both Atlantic and Pacific deterrent operations. USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740), USS Maine (SSBN-741), USS Wyoming (SSBN-742), and USS Louisiana (SSBN-743) continue to conduct deterrence patrols, ensuring a continuous at-sea presence for the U.S. nuclear deterrent force.

As the largest class of submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy, the Ohio-class submarines measure 170 meters in length, with a beam of 13 meters and a maximum draft of 10.8 meters. They have a surfaced displacement of 16,764 metric tons and a submerged displacement of 18,750 metric tons. Built between 1976 and 1997, the class originally consisted of 18 submarines, with four later converted into guided-missile submarines (SSGNs).

The propulsion system consists of a single S8G pressurized water nuclear reactor, powering two geared turbines that generate 26 megawatts (35,000 shaft horsepower). The submarines also include an auxiliary 242-kilowatt electric motor and a Fairbanks Morse diesel generator for emergency power. Ohio-class submarines are capable of speeds exceeding 37 km/h (20 knots) while submerged and have an endurance limited only by food and maintenance requirements.

Equipped with advanced sonar and navigation systems, Ohio-class submarines utilize the BQQ-6 passive bow-mounted array, BQR-19 navigation sonar, and TB-16 or BQR-23 towed arrays. Their armament varies based on configuration: SSBNs are fitted with 20 Trident II D5 SLBMs, while SSGNs have 22 missile tubes, each capable of holding seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, totaling 154. All Ohio-class submarines are also equipped with four 533-mm torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes.