US Navy Faces Capacity Gap as Aging Ohio-Class Submarines Retire

The recent US Navy shipbuilding plan marks the impending departure of a veteran force. All four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) – USS Ohio (SSGN-726), USS Florida (SSGN-720), USS Michigan (SSGN-727), and USS Georgia (SSGN-728) – are slated for retirement within the next four years.

These venerable vessels, pushing past 40 years of service, represent the culmination of the Cold War’s strategic deterrence philosophy.

Their retirement signifies a shift in the Navy’s submarine capabilities.

From Ballistic Might to Land-Attack Precision

Originally designed as ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), these Ohio-class boats underwent a strategic transformation between 2002 and 2007.

The Navy, responding to the post-Cold War security landscape, converted them into SSGNs.

This involved replacing their nuclear launch tubes with a formidable arsenal of 22 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) each.

Each tube can house seven TLAMs, bringing the total missile capacity of an SSGN to a staggering 154.

This conversion provided the Navy with a powerful tool for precision strikes and land warfare support.

Beyond Missiles: A Special Operations Platform

The Ohio-class SSGNs’ capabilities extend beyond their impressive missile payload.

Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, the conversion process also endowed them with unique features suited for special operations.

These submarines can accommodate a contingent of up to 66 special operations forces (SOF) personnel.

Additionally, dedicated spaces were incorporated for Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) – submersible pods that deploy divers and their equipment directly into the water.

This unique combination allows SSGNs to operate as forward-deployed command centers, supporting special operations teams with stealth, mobility, and surprise.

A Looming Capacity Gap and the Race for Replacement

The retirement of these SSGNs presents a significant challenge for the US Navy.

Their departure represents a substantial loss of vertical launch payload capacity, a crucial metric for land-attack capabilities.

To mitigate this loss, the Navy is procuring Virginia-class Block V submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM).

Each VPM boasts four large-diameter tubes similar to those found on the Ohio-class SSGNs.

This addition grants each Virginia-class submarine an extra 28 Tomahawk missiles, partially offsetting the loss in capacity.

Delays and Shifting Priorities: A Complex Procurement Landscape

However, the path to regaining lost capacity is not without its hurdles.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted production schedules, causing delays in the delivery of Virginia-class VPM submarines.

Adding to this complexity is the prioritization of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program.

The Columbia-class represents the next generation of nuclear deterrence, and its development is critical for replacing the aging Ohio-class SSBNs.

However, this prioritization inevitably diverts resources away from the Virginia-class production line, further pushing back VPM deliveries.

These delays raise concerns about a potential gap in the Navy’s vertical launch capacity.

The gap between the retirement of the SSGNs and the full deployment of VPM-equipped Virginia-class submarines could leave the Navy with a diminished capability for land-attack operations.

The SSGN Successor: A Discussion for the Future

While the Virginia-class VPM offers a path toward regaining lost capacity, the Navy is exploring long-term solutions.

Discussions have emerged regarding the possibility of dedicated SSGNs based on the Columbia-class design.

These next-generation SSGNs, however, wouldn’t be operational until the mid-2040s at the earliest, due to the Columbia program’s production schedule extending into the next decade.

The Challenge of Maintaining a Modern Submarine Force

The retirement of the Ohio-class SSGNs underscores the complexities of maintaining a modern and versatile submarine force.

While the Virginia-class VPM offers a temporary solution, the production delays highlight the impact of external factors and shifting priorities.

The Navy must navigate these challenges with careful planning and resource allocation to ensure it retains the necessary capabilities to address future security threats.

The future of the US Navy’s submarine force hinges on its ability to bridge the gap between legacy platforms and the next generation of vessels.