OVERVIEW: The SSGN 726 *Ohio* is a nuclear-powered guided missile submarine (SSGN) of the *Ohio*-class, operated by the United States Navy. Converted from her original ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) configuration, she represents a significant shift in the US Navy's strategic and tactical underwater warfare capabilities. Commissioned in 2016 after her conversion, she brings enhanced conventional strike capabilities to the fleet.

DETAILS: The *Ohio*-class submarines were originally designed and built as strategic deterrent platforms, carrying Trident II D5 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). However, with the end of the Cold War and the evolving global security environment, the US Navy sought to repurpose some of these powerful submarines to address new threats. The conversion program, initiated in the early 2000s, saw four *Ohio*-class submarines, including the *Ohio* herself, modified into SSGNs. This involved removing the SLBM tubes and replacing them with Vertical Launch System (VLS) tubes capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles. This transformation dramatically increased the submarines' conventional strike capabilities while retaining a stealthy and enduring underwater presence. The *Ohio*'s conversion represents a commitment to adaptability and maximizing the lifespan of valuable naval assets.

The primary role of the SSGN 726 *Ohio* is to provide forward-deployed, clandestine strike capabilities. The sheer volume of Tomahawk cruise missiles she carries allows for sustained engagements against land targets, including critical infrastructure, command and control centers, and air defenses. The vessel is also capable of supporting special operations forces (SOF) missions. Two of the converted missile tubes are dedicated to SOF deployment, enabling the *Ohio* to act as an underwater staging platform for covert operations. While not primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) or anti-surface warfare (ASuW), the *Ohio*'s advanced sensor suite provides situational awareness, allowing her to detect and avoid potential threats or to support other assets engaged in these roles.

The *Ohio*'s advanced sensor suite is integral to her operational effectiveness. The AN/BQQ-10 sonar suite provides comprehensive underwater surveillance, detection, tracking, and classification capabilities. The AN/BLQ-10(V)4 electronic support measures (ESM) system allows the submarine to detect, analyze, and geolocate enemy radar emissions without revealing its own presence. The AN/BPS-15A radar provides surface search and navigation capabilities. The AN/WLY-1 acoustic intercept system further enhances situational awareness by detecting and classifying underwater acoustic signals. Supplementing these sensors, the installation of the Type 18 Periscope SUBIS Mod offers improved optical and electronic visual capabilities for both day and night operations. These sophisticated systems, combined with her significant Tomahawk strike capacity and SOF support capabilities, make the *Ohio* a formidable and versatile asset in the US Navy's arsenal.

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

SENSORS: AN/TB-29A || AN/WLY-1 || AN/BPS-15A || AN/WLR-8(V)5 || AN/BQR-19 || AN/BLQ-10(V)4 || AN/BQQ-10 || Type 18 Periscope SUBIS Mod

ARMAMENT: 533mm Mk68 TT || CSA Mk3 Mod 0 || Tomahawk VLS [14 x 7 Cells] || 3-inch Signal Ejector