![]() ![]() Government Accountability Office is not confident. While the Navy hopes to procure these new submarines more quickly than it has done for the lead ships of previous classes, the U.S. Since nuclear-armed ballistic submarines guarantee retaliatory destruction of any enemy that attacks America with nuclear weapons, the development of the class is a top priority for the U.S. The Navy worked with General Dynamics Electric Boat to design the initial Columbia-class concept in 2007. In June, the Navy revealed that the first Columbia-class vessel will be named USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826). Featuring a life-of-ship reactor, Columbia-class submarines are expected to remain in service for 40 years. The ships are planned to be around 560 feet long, with 21,000 tons of displacement. The price may seem high, but the class will bring on board the largest and most complex submarines to ever operate. The Navy is planning to develop and purchase 12 Columbia-class boats at a cost of $132 billion. The fleet is getting ready to welcome the latest class of nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines - the Columbia class.ĭesigned to replace Ohio-class submarines, the next-generation Columbia class vessels are expected to enter service within the next decade. Navy’s fleet of submarines carries more than half of America’s operational nuclear deterrent arsenal, making these vessels the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad. WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - U.S. The OHIO design and modern maintenance concepts permit the submarines to operate for over 12 years between major shipyard availabilities. These allow the rapid transfer of supply pallets, equipment replacement modules, and even machinery components, significantly reducing the time required for replenishment and maintenance. To speed the time in port for crew turnover and replenishment, three large logistics hatches are fitted to provide large diameter re-supply and repair openings. ![]() ![]() Ohio Class Submarines are specifically designed for extended deterrent patrols. The nominal operating schedule is 77 days at sea followed by a 35 day turnover/replenishment/refit period. By alternating the Blue and Gold crews, with a brief turnover period, the submarines can be kept at sea for considerably longer than with a single crew. While one crew is at sea operating the submarine, the other is conducting training, attending schools, being evaluated in shore-based simulators and enjoying leave. Two complete crews - designated Blue and Gold - are assigned to each Ohio Class submarine. This inherent feature of the Ohio Class coupled with other characteristics makes these ships the most survivable element of the nuclear Triad. The most important defensive feature of these submarines is their stealth - they are among the quietest nuclear-powered submarines ever built. In addition, these submarines are fitted with four torpedo tubes for MK 48 torpedoes which, along with countermeasure devices, provide defense against hostile ASW forces. OHIO Class submarines can carry either the Trident I (C-4) or Trident II (D-5) missiles. The 18th and final ship of this class to be built will be delivered to the Navy in 1997. The USS Ohio made the first operational patrol of this class in the fall of 1982. They are the largest submarines to be built by the United States. By virtue of their patrol posture, these submarines are highly survivable they are also extremely flexible, capable of rapidly retargeting their missiles, should the need arise, using secure and constant at-sea communications links. strategic forces with the 18 Trident SSBNs each carrying 24 missiles. The Ohio Class Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN), U.S Navys primary strategic weapon, provides the sea-based leg of the Triad of U.S. This high quality replica is handcrafted from wood and comes with a wooden base. ![]()
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