USS Ohio SSGN conversion
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History | |
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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: | |
General characteristics | |
Class and type: | Ohio class SSGN |
Displacement: |
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Length: | 560 ft (170 m) |
Beam: | 42 ft (13 m) |
Propulsion: | |
Speed: |
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Range: | unlimited |
Endurance: | approximately 60 days with food supplies |
Test depth: | +800 ft (240 m) |
Crew: |
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Sensors and processing systems: |
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Armament: |
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).