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Photography by Action Asia Photo
© 2002-8 Action Asia Photo - All Rights Reserved
www.actionasiaphoto.com

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The Ohio Class are the first nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarines equipped with the Trident missile system Lead ship of the class, SSBN-726 USS Ohio, was commissioned in 1981 and - along with her 17 sister subs - is contributing to the United State's nuclear deterrence.

Strategic deterrence has been the sole mission of the fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) since their inception in 1960. The Ohio Class submarines replaced older SSBNs and today provide the nation's most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability. The class is equipped with the Trident missile system - each submarine carrying 24 missiles having MIRV warheads.

Together the Ohio Class holds 50% of the total. strategic warheads in the US arsenal. Although the missiles have no pre-set targets when the submarines go on patrol, the SSBNs are capable of rapidly targeting their missiles using secure at-sea communications.

Ohio Class submarines, specifically designed for extended deterrent patrols, increase the time in port for crew turnover and replenishment with three large logistics hatches that permit rapid re-supply and repair. A combat cycle includes a 70-day patrol and a 25-day period to transfer the sub over to the relieving crews.

Like all submarines in use by the US Navy today, the Ohio Class submarines are powered by a pressurized water S8G nuclear reactor driving steam turbines to a single propeller shaft having 60,000 hp. The nuclear core is reloaded every 9 years, although the class is designed to operate for 20 years between overhauls.

The first four Ohio Class submarines are undergoing conversion to SSGN (conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines) with further capacity to support and transport Navy special operations forces.

SSNB-733 USS Nevada was the 8th submarine in the Ohio Class. Commissioned on August 16th, 1986, Nevada is homeported at Bangor, Washington.