May 11, 2006: The U.S. Navy project to convert four ballistic missile submarines to commando/cruise missile boats, is well in hand, with the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) and USS Florida (SSGN 728) already in service. Michigan (SSGN 727) is scheduled to begin sea trials late this year, and Georgia (SSGN 729) is scheduled for completion in mid-2007.
Conversion of the boats entailed converting two of the ballistic missile tubes for use as diver lockout chambers, able to accommodate up to nine men. Eight tubes have been rebuilt to permit them to be used alternatively for stowing Naval special operations forces equipment, cruise missiles, UAVs or UUVs, or for other (classified) purposes. The remaining 14 tubes have been converted to house up to seven Tomahawk UGM-109 or U/RGM-109E, Block IV cruise missiles each.
If the SOF (Special Operations Forces, usually SEALs) capable tubes are also used, each boat can carry up to 154 Tomahauks. In addition, the Poseidon missile command and control systems and spaces have been replaced by command and control facilities for SOF. Each boat can house a 66-man SOF team for relatively long periods, and up to 102 for shorter periods. In addition, each boat is fitted to carry either two "Dry Dock" shelters (storage bins for SOF gear or other equipment) or two midget submarines for SOF.
In addition to being used to support the land battle with precision attacks by Tomahwak missiles or SOF teams, the Navy has proposed developing modules that can permit the SSGNs to be used as forward joint task force headquarters. |