OVERVIEW: The SSBN 726 Ohio is a ballistic missile submarine of the *Ohio*-class, operated by the United States Navy. Entering service in 2000, she represents a later iteration of the class following modifications and upgrades.

DETAILS:
The *Ohio*-class submarines were conceived during the Cold War as a survivable second-strike nuclear deterrent. The design prioritized stealth, endurance, and the capacity to carry a substantial number of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). While the initial *Ohio*-class boats were built in the late 1970s and 1980s, the Ohio herself entered service significantly later, benefiting from improved construction techniques, advanced electronics, and enhanced acoustic quieting measures implemented during the production run and subsequent refits. The *Ohio*-class shifted from the originally planned Trident C4 missiles to the more capable Trident D5 SLBM in subsequent modifications, although the *Ohio* herself was commissioned with the Trident C4. The vessels were designed for extended deployments, reducing the need for frequent port visits and maximizing on-station availability.

The primary role of the SSBN 726 Ohio is strategic nuclear deterrence. Although equipped with torpedoes and countermeasures, its principal mission revolves around maintaining a credible, survivable nuclear force capable of retaliatory strikes. The Ohio also possesses a limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, primarily for self-defense against potential threats encountered during strategic patrols. While not optimized for anti-surface warfare (ASuW), the submarine could engage surface targets as a last resort using its torpedoes. The *Ohio*'s extended endurance and advanced communication systems enable it to maintain contact with national command authorities even during prolonged submerged operations.

The Ohio's sensor suite provides comprehensive situational awareness. The AN/BQQ-5E(V)4 sonar suite with its AN/BQS-13 spherical array provides long-range detection and tracking of underwater contacts. The AN/BQR-19 towed array enhances low-frequency detection capabilities, improving the submarine's ability to detect distant threats in noisy environments. The AN/BQR-15A is likely related to passive ranging. Electronic support measures (ESM) such as the AN/WLR-8(V)5 and AN/WLR-10 provide intelligence on enemy radar and communication signals. The AN/WLR-17 likely functions as an acoustic intercept receiver. The AN/BPS-15A radar provides surface search and navigation capabilities when operating at periscope depth. The submarine is equipped with both optical and low-light television (LLTV) periscopes for visual surveillance and target identification. The 533mm Mk68 torpedo tubes can launch Mk48 torpedoes for self-defense and engagement of surface or subsurface targets. The CSA Mk1 FED [Mk139] functions as a countermeasure to incoming torpedoes.

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: 533mm Mk68 TT || Trident C4 || 3-inch Signal Ejector || CSA Mk1 FED [Mk139]