US Subs Getting Firepower Boost

2015-03-19T10:51:46-04:00

Between 2002 to 2008, the U.S. Navy turned four of its oldest Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) into nuclear-powered cruise missile vessels (SSGN). The four subs — the USS Ohio, USS Michigan, USS Florida and USS Georgia – are expected to remain in service until 2023 to 2026. The U.S. Navy will gradually begin retiring one boat after another during that time frame.

This will result in massive loss of fire power for the U.S. Navy, since each converted Ohio-class SSGN can carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles each.

“When the SSGNs retire in the 2020s – if no action is taken the Navy will lose about 60-percent of its undersea strike launchers. When we design and build VPM and start construction in 2019, that 60-percent shortfall will become a 40-percent shortfall in the 2028 timeframe. Over time as you build VPM you will eliminate the loss of firepower. The rationale for accelerating VPM is to potentially mitigate that 40-percent to a lower number,” Capt. David Goggins, the Virginia-class submarine program manager explained.

Read more:
http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/us-subs-getting-firepower-boost/

Without an upgrade the navy will lose sixty percent of its undersea strike launchers by 2026.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-03-19T19:43:51-04:00

Every Service has its "must haves." I think this is one of the Navy's programs that needs to be fast-tracked. Problem is, everybody "needs" more money. Do we funnel the necessary money to these new subs and take it away from ... where? Personnel? Another Service? Tough decisions.

I don't know much about Navy submarines, but I do know the power of cruise missiles, and if there's a way to do this - without losing the firepower AND without hurting personnel - I am all for it. I say it's yet another reason to re-look (and STOP) sequestration.