OVERVIEW: The SSBN 734 Tennessee [Ohio Class] is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in service with the United States Navy.

DETAILS:
The *Ohio*-class SSBN represents the culmination of decades of US Navy experience in developing and operating strategic nuclear submarines. Conceived in the early 1970s to replace the aging *George Washington*, *Ethan Allen*, and *Lafayette* classes, the *Ohio*-class was designed with a focus on extended patrol endurance, reduced acoustic signature, and increased missile payload. This emphasis stemmed from the increasing vulnerability of land-based ICBMs to a potential first strike and the need to maintain a credible, survivable nuclear deterrent. The class introduced significant advancements in hull design, incorporating features that minimize hydrodynamic noise, making them substantially quieter than their predecessors. Their size also provided ample internal volume to isolate noise-generating machinery and enhance crew comfort during extended deployments. The Tennessee was commissioned in 1992, representing a later build variant incorporating improvements and upgrades based on operational experience gained with earlier vessels in the class.

The primary role of the *Tennessee* is to provide a survivable strategic nuclear deterrent, achieved through the deployment of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). The vessel’s stealth capabilities allow it to patrol vast ocean areas undetected, ensuring a retaliatory strike capability even in the event of a surprise attack on the United States. While primarily designed for strategic strike, the *Tennessee* also possesses a limited self-defense capability. Though not optimized for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) or anti-surface warfare (ASuW), the submarine can engage enemy submarines or surface combatants if threatened, though this is a secondary mission. The AN/BQQ-6 integrated sonar suite provides comprehensive underwater surveillance capabilities, allowing the Tennessee to detect and track potential threats.

The *Tennessee’s* sensor suite provides both offensive and defensive capabilities. The AN/BQQ-6 integrated sonar suite is the primary means of underwater detection and tracking, while the AN/BQR-15A and AN/BQR-19 passive sonar arrays provide long-range detection capabilities. The AN/BPS-15A surface search radar enables navigation and limited surface contact detection while surfaced or at periscope depth. Electronic warfare support is provided by the AN/WLR-8(V)5, AN/WLR-10 and AN/WLR-17 systems, which are capable of detecting and analyzing radar emissions from potential threats. The submarine periscopes, equipped with optical and low-light television (LLTV) sensors, allow for visual observation of the surrounding environment. The Trident D5 SLBM constitutes the vessel's primary offensive weapon. The 533mm Mk68 torpedo tubes provide a self-defense capability with the Mk68 torpedo, while the CSA Mk2 Mod 0 countermeasure launchers can deploy noisemakers to decoy incoming torpedoes. The 3-inch signal ejector provides a means for visual communication and signaling.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 170.0 m || Beam: 13.0 m || Draft: 10.8 m || Disp: 16765 t

SENSORS: AN/BPS-15A || AN/WLR-8(V)5 || AN/BQQ-6 || AN/WLR-10 || AN/BQR-19 || AN/BQR-15A || AN/WLR-17 || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: Trident D5 || CSA Mk2 Mod 0 [Mk151] || 533mm Mk68 TT || 3-inch Signal Ejector || CSA Mk2 Mod 0 [Mk151]