In this deep-dive episode, I take you aboard the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine—America’s strategic nuclear deterrent at sea. Drawing from my 5 years of firsthand service aboard this vessel, I walk you through every major system, sensor, and weapon platform that makes this submarine the most powerful stealth platform in the U.S. Navy’s arsenal.
⚓ Submarine Overview:
Commissioned during the Cold War and built for long-duration submerged patrols, the Ohio-class SSBN (Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, Nuclear) measures 560 feet in length and displaces 18,750 tons submerged. Powered by the S8G pressurized water reactor, it remains operational for over 15 years between refueling and can stay submerged for months.
🎯 Weapons Systems:
Trident II D5 SLBMs: 24 vertical launch tubes for the UGM-133A Trident II ballistic missile, each capable of carrying up to 8 MIRVed nuclear warheads with independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). CEP under 90 meters with a range over 7,500 miles.
Mk 48 ADCAP Torpedoes: Loaded in 4 horizontal 21-inch torpedo tubes in the bow for self-defense. Capable of anti-submarine and anti-surface engagements with wire guidance and active/passive homing.
Countermeasures: Advanced Acoustic Device Countermeasures (ADC) such as the AN/SLQ-25 Nixie and internal launch decoys for spoofing inbound torpedoes.
🧠 Combat and Fire Control Systems:
AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System: Integrates sonar, navigation, fire control, and weapons launch functions. Capable of simultaneous multi-target tracking and Trident missile targeting via secure satellite uplinks.
MK 118 Torpedo Fire Control System: Used to process targeting solutions for torpedo engagements with precise wire-guidance control.
📡 Sensors and Sonar Suite:
AN/BQQ-10(V4) Sonar System: A modular, scalable suite combining:
Spherical Array: Main passive/active detection array in the bow.
Wide Aperture Array (WAA): Hull-mounted passive sensor system port/starboard for flank coverage.
TB-29A/B Towed Array Sonar: Very low-frequency passive detection of distant contacts.
High Frequency Active Sonar (HFAS): Used for under-ice and mine avoidance, not standard in SSBN ops but available when needed.
AN/WLR-9 and AN/BLQ-10 EW Systems: For detecting and classifying radar and communication signals, including advanced ELINT processing.
📍 Navigation and Positioning:
Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLGN) and Inertial Navigation System (INS): Provide highly accurate dead reckoning when submerged for extended periods.
Electro-Optical Masts (non-hull-penetrating): Replace traditional periscopes in refitted boats, integrating EO/IR cameras, laser rangefinders, and encrypted SATCOM antennas.
GPS Integration: Used sparingly during surfacing for real-time positional fixes.
🛡️ Stealth and Survivability:
Anechoic Tile Coating: Reduces acoustic signature and sonar reflection.
Quieting Technologies: Pump-jet propulsor, sound-isolated machinery, and noise-canceling mounts.
Low observable operational profile: Runs primarily passive sonar and ESM during patrols, avoiding active emissions to remain undetectable.
🗺️ Patrol Strategy and Mission Profile:
Deployed under Strategic Deterrent Patrols (SDPs) with classified routes, operating undetected for 70–100 days.
Operates under SSBN Security Program (SSBNSEC) to maintain strategic ambiguity.
Crew divided into Blue and Gold teams, rotating to maximize operational availability of each hull.
🛠️ Crew Experience:
In this video, I also share real stories and technical lessons from my deployments aboard the Ohio-class—what it’s really like to operate its sonar, the tactics we used to avoid detection, and the systems we trusted with our lives.
📽️ Footage Includes:
3D model breakdowns of onboard compartments
Sonar screens and contact analysis (simulated)
Missile tube architecture and loading operations
Combat system schematics and watch standing stations
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