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Caption:
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Wash. (Aug. 14, 2003) -- USS Ohio (SSGN
726) is in dry dock undergoing a conversion from a Ballistic Missile
Submarine (SSBN) to a Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN) designation. Ohio
has been out of service since Oct. 29, 2002 for conversion to SSGN at
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Four Ohio-class strategic missile
submarines, USS Ohio (SSBN 726), USS Michigan (SSBN 727) USS Florida
(SSBN 728), and USS Georgia (SSBN 729) have been selected for
transformation into a new platform, designated SSGN. The SSGNs
will have the capability to support and launch up to 154 Tomahawk
missiles, a significant increase in capacity compared to other
platforms. The 22 missile tubes also will provide the capability
to carry other payloads, such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs),
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Special Forces equipment.
This new platform will also have the capability to carry and support
more than 66 Navy SEALs (Sea, Air and Land) and insert them
clandestinely into potential conflict areas. U.S. Navy file
photo. (RELEASED)
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