SEALs-Friendly Submarine Returns To Navy Fleet

Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

February 10, 2006

SEALs-Friendly Submarine Returns To Navy Fleet

The first of four converted U.S. submarines, specifically designed to help special forces perform covert missions, returned to the Navy's fleet for service on Feb. 7.

The USS Ohio, converted by General Dynamics Corp.'s Electric Boat unit, is the first of four nuclear-powered ballistic missile subs (SSBNs) to be converted into cruise missile-laden, special forces-friendly SSGNs. The other three -- the USS Michigan, USS Florida and USS Georgia -- are slated to rejoin the fleet by 2007. Ohio was returned to service at a ceremony in Bangor, Wash.

"Ohio's return to service is truly monumental. In the span of a little more than three years, we have taken a proven weapon system and completely changed its operating paradigm," said Rear Adm. William H. Hilarides, program executive officer for submarines. "Now Ohio will conduct missions that will have a direct impact on the on-going global war on terrorism and, because of its payload capacity, Ohio and the other three SSGNs will free up Navy assets in the near future."

Each converted sub is unloading its Trident ballistic missiles, and 22 of the 24 missile tubes on each boat will be retrofitted to carry up to seven Tomahawk cruise missiles for up to 154 missiles per sub.

Specially designed stowage containers for special operations forces (SOF) equipment also will fit in the 22 missile tubes. SSGNs will be able to carry up to 66 SOF personnel, namely Navy SEALs, along with their own crew.

The other two former missile tubes are dedicated lock-in/lock-out chambers that will allow SEALs to leave the subs while underwater. The boats also accommodate up to two Dry Deck Shelters, two Advanced SEAL Delivery Systems -- although that program is on hold at one vehicle -- or one of each atop the chambers.

Florida will re-enter service on May 25 in Mayport, Fla. Michigan and Georgia are on schedule to return this December and September 2007, respectively, according to the Naval Sea Systems Command.

The work is being done under a $1.4 billion contract won by Electric Boat in 2002 (DAILY Jan. 10). The conversions come as sub supporters in industry and in Congress are trying to push the Navy to speed up production of more attack subs.

The so-called "silent service" is a favorite method of combat commanders to transport SOF personnel, and lawmakers have said they have requested 150 percent of the submarine days currently available to execute priority operations.

-- Michael Bruno