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| Terror Networks |
| Trident Subs Will Fight Terror |
| 2006-01-27 |
| The U.S. Navy is converting some of its prized nuclear strategic submarines to launch precision, conventional munitions strikes against terrorist bases and similar targets. Four ultra-stealth Ohio-class SSBNs are having their 24 Trident II D-5 nuclear ballistic missiles removed and replaced with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Defense Industry Daily reported Jan. 18. The program is assured of bipartisan support with Democratic Sens. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Clarence Pell of Rhode Island all supporting it, DID said. The Ohios are being converted into so-called "Tactical Tridents," designated SSGNs, with accommodation for 66-102 special forces troops, special attachments for new Advanced SEAL Delivery Systems (ASDS) or the older Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) "mini-subs," and a mission control center. In future, the SSGNs may also carry UUV underwater robotic vehicles and even UAVs for aerial operations, the report said. "These modifications provide the (United States) with an impressive and impressively flexible set of conventional firepower, in a survivable and virtually undetectable platform that can remain on station for very long periods," DID said. The conversion program will cost $1.4 billion, it said. The program will allow the Navy to avoid having to decommission the four Trident subs, the USS Ohio (SSBN 726), USS Michigan (SSBN 727), USS Florida (SSBN 728) and USS Georgia (SSBN 729). Funding for the conversion was originally approved in the Fiscal Year 2002 military appropriations bill and it proved popular in Congress. The Senate approved funding four all four nuclear subs, where President George W. Bush had only asked to convert two of them. To create a Tactical Trident submarine, two of the Ohio Class SSBNs' 24 large vertical missile launch tubes are converted to lockout chambers to enable exit from the hull underwater, the report said. However the ASDS program is suffering from serious development problems. Until those are sorted out, existing Seal Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) will have to be used instead, DID said. The conversion costs for the four Ohios is far less than the $1.7 billion cost for each of the new nuclear-powered Virginia class (SSN-744). BMD will cost $247 billion by 2024: CBO |
| Posted by:Captain America |
| #8 up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Gosh, for some reason, that makes me feel all warm and funny inside. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2006-01-27 21:34 |
| #7 As per GMD many US Navy surface ships and subs will also have BMD assets, including eventually anti-interceptor ability vv the Russians and Chicoms, etc. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2006-01-27 20:43 |
| #6 I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that these subs, formerly homebased in Bremerton, are now to be based in Honolulu. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2006-01-27 19:38 |
| #5 Don't we have sub bases in Maine and Washington as well? Cantwell and Murray (D-WA) and Collins and Snowe (R-ME) aren't mentioned. Isn't King's Bay, GA, also a base? |
| Posted by: Dar 2006-01-27 17:52 |
| #4 Big sub base in Hawaii... |
| Posted by: Seafarious 2006-01-27 17:23 |
| #3 Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Clarence Pell of Rhode Island all supporting it,... I'm not sure about Inouye's interest, but the others are certain to vote for anything that helps Electric Boat. |
| Posted by: Xbalanke 2006-01-27 17:15 |
| #2 Nebraska senator Ben Nelson had no comment. |
| Posted by: Seafarious 2006-01-27 17:13 |
| #1 The program is assured of bipartisan support with Democratic Sens. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Clarence Pell of Rhode Island all supporting it, DID said. LOL! Wata country. |
| Posted by: 6 2006-01-27 17:11 |