OVERVIEW: The SSBN 734 Tennessee [Ohio Class] is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine operated by the United States Navy. Commissioned in 2000, it is a member of the Ohio class, a cornerstone of the US Navy's strategic nuclear deterrent.

DETAILS:
The Ohio-class submarine program was initiated in the 1970s as a replacement for the aging Lafayette and James Madison-class SSBNs. The primary design goal was to create a more survivable and capable platform for the Trident ballistic missile, enhancing the credibility of the US nuclear deterrent. The Ohio class features a significantly larger hull than its predecessors, allowing for the carriage of 24 Trident missile tubes, compared to the 16 tubes found on earlier SSBNs. This increased missile capacity, combined with quieter operation and improved sensors, allows for a more dispersed and difficult-to-detect deployment pattern. The design emphasizes stealth and acoustic quieting, incorporating features such as rafted machinery, anechoic coatings, and a highly efficient propulsion system.

The SSBN 734 Tennessee's primary role is to provide a survivable and credible nuclear deterrent through the deployment of Trident D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). This capability ensures a retaliatory strike option in the event of a nuclear attack, contributing to strategic stability. While primarily designed for strategic nuclear deterrence, the Ohio class, and the Tennessee specifically, also possesses limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The 533mm Mk68 torpedo tubes allow for the deployment of torpedoes against hostile submarines, providing a self-defense capability.

The installation of the AN/BQQ-5E(V)4 sonar suite, incorporating the AN/BQS-13 spherical array, provides long-range detection and tracking of underwater contacts. The AN/BQR-19 and AN/BQR-15A passive sonars further enhance the submarine's ability to detect and classify targets at extended ranges, while maintaining acoustic stealth. The AN/BPS-15A radar provides surface search and navigation capabilities. Electronic warfare support is provided by the AN/WLR-8(V)5 and AN/WLR-10 systems, which are designed to detect and analyze radar emissions from enemy vessels and aircraft. The AN/WLR-17 provides additional electronic support measures (ESM) capabilities. Two generic submarine periscopes (one optical, one LLTV) enable visual surface observation and navigation. The 3-inch Signal Ejector provides a means for underwater communication, and the CSA Mk2 Mod 0 [Mk151] Chaff and Flare launchers offer a defensive measure against torpedo attacks.

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/WLR-10 || AN/BQR-19 || AN/BQR-15A || AN/WLR-17 || AN/BQQ-5E(V)4 [AN/BQS-13] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

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