Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines - SSBN

Description
Since the 1960s, strategic deterrence has been the SSBN's sole mission, providing the United States with its most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability.

Features
The Navy's ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as an undetectable launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). They are designed specifically for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads.

Each of the 14 Ohio-class SSBNs originally carried up to 24 SLBMs with multiple, independently-targeted warheads. However, under provisions of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, each submarine has had four of its missile tubes permanently deactivated and now carry a maximum of 20 missiles. The SSBN's strategic weapon is the Trident II D5 missile, which provides increased range and accuracy over the now out-of-service Trident I C4 missile.

SSBNs are specifically designed for extended deterrent patrols. To decrease the amount of time required for replenishment and maintenance, Ohio-class submarines have three large-diameter logistics hatches that allow sailors to rapidly transfer supply pallets, equipment replacement modules and machinery components, thereby increasing their operational availability.

The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls. On average, the submarines spend 77 days at sea followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance. Each SSBN has two crews, Blue and Gold, which alternate manning the submarines and taking them on patrol. This maximizes the SSBN's strategic availability, reduces the number of submarines required to meet strategic requirements, and allows for proper crew training, readiness and morale.

Point Of Contact
Office of Corporate Communications (SEA 00D)
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington, D.C. 20376

General Characteristics

Ships:

USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730), Bangor, Washington

USS Alabama (SSBN 731), Bangor, Washington

USS Alaska (SSBN 732), Kings Bay, Georgia

USS Nevada (SSBN 733), Bangor, Washington

USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), Kings Bay, Georgia

USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735), Bangor, Washington

USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), Kings Bay, Georgia

USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), Bangor, Washington

USS Maryland (SSBN 738), Kings Bay, Georgia