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USS Ohio (SSGN-726)

USS Ohio (SSGN-726)
USS Ohio SSGN conversion
USS Ohio SSGN conversion
History
United States
Namesake: U.S. state of Ohio
Ordered: 1 July 1974
Builder: General Dynamics Electric Boat
Laid down: 10 April 1976
Launched: 7 April 1979
Commissioned: 11 November 1981
Homeport: Bangor, Washington
Motto: Always first
Nickname(s): First and Finest!
Status: in active service
Badge: USS Ohio SSBN-726 Crest.png
General characteristics
Class and type: Ohio class SSGN
Displacement:
  • 16,764 metric tons (16,499 long tons) surfaced
  • 18,750 metric tons (18,450 long tons) submerged
Length: 560 ft (170 m)
Beam: 42 ft (13 m)
Propulsion:
  • 1 × S8G PWR nuclear reactor
  • 2 × geared turbines
  • 1 × 325 hp (242 kW) auxiliary motor
  • 1 shaft @ 60,000 shp (45 MW)
Speed:
  • 12 knots (14 mph; 22 km/h) surfaced
  • +20 knots (23 mph; 37 km/h) submerged (official)
  • 25 knots (29 mph; 46 km/h) submerged (reported)
Range: unlimited
Endurance: approximately 60 days with food supplies
Test depth: +800 ft (240 m)
Crew:
  • 15 officers
  • 140 enlisted
Sensors and
processing systems:
Armament:
  • 4 × 21 inches (530 mm) bow torpedo tubes.
  • SSGN conversion
  • 22 tubes, each with 7 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

USS Ohio (SSBN-726/SSGN-726), the lead boat of her class of nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarines, was the fourth vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the 17th state. She was commissioned with the hull designation of SSBN-726, and with her conversion to a guided missile submarine she was re-designated SSGN-726.

Original plans called for Ohio to be retired in 2002. Instead, Ohio and three sister ships were modified and remain in service as conventional missile submarines (SSGNs). In November 2003 Ohio entered drydock, beginning a 36-month refueling and conversion overhaul. Electric Boat announced on 9 January 2006 that the conversion had been completed.

The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 1 July 1974 and her keel was laid down on 10 April 1976 by Mrs. Robert A. Taft, wife of Senator Taft. On 2 February 1978, the Precommissioning Unit was formed with Commander A. K. Thompson as its Commanding Officer. Ohio was launched on 7 April 1979 sponsored by Mrs. Annie Glenn, wife of Senator John H. Glenn.

In the summer of 1981, sea trials were held to test the equipment and systems, and the submarine was delivered to the U.S. Navy on 28 October 1981. On 11 November 1981, Ohio was commissioned. The principal speaker, Vice President George H. W. Bush, remarked to the 8000 assembled guests that the ship introduced a "new dimension in our nation's strategic deterrence," and Admiral Hyman G. Rickover noted that Ohio should "strike fear in the hearts of our enemies." On that day, command of the two crews (designated Blue and Gold) of Ohio was assumed by Captain A. K. Thompson (Blue) and Captain A. F. Campbell (Gold).


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Wikipedia

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