The USS Tennessee, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, was spotted arriving at Faslane today following a demonstration of NATO nuclear capabilities as message of deterrence to Russia.
Earlier this month, on June 23, 2024, the USS Tennessee participated in a rare and joint operation in the Norwegian Sea.
The exercise also included the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and an E-6B Mercury.
The U.S. Navy told me that this routine port visit to Faslane “reinforces the United States’ commitment to our Allies and partners in the region”.
This multi-domain naval exercise was part of a broader show of force intended for Russia. The USS Tennessee’s involvement in this operation is particularly noteworthy because ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) rarely surface during missions, making this visible presence a significant signal of deterrence.
The U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet highlighted the exercise on social media, stating: “Multi-Domain Readiness in action. Guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee steam alongside in the Norwegian Sea while a P-8A Poseidon and E-6B Mercury fly overhead.”
The submarine is now berthed at HMNB Clyde. The base is sited at Faslane in the west of Scotland not far from Glasgow, one of Britain’s largest cities. It’s one of three operating bases in the United Kingdom for the Royal Navy, the others being HMNB Devonport and HMNB Portsmouth. It is best known as the home of Britain’s nuclear weapons, in the form of nuclear submarines armed with Trident missiles.
The Ohio-class submarines are a cornerstone of the United States’ nuclear deterrent strategy, forming part of the nuclear triad along with the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The USS Tennessee, like other Ohio-class SSBNs, is capable of carrying 24 Trident II missiles, making it one of the most potent assets in the U.S. Navy’s arsenal. These submarines collectively carry about half of the U.S. active strategic thermonuclear warheads.
The Ohio-class submarines, including the USS Tennessee, are renowned for their stealth and endurance. Displacing 18,750 tons submerged, they are the largest submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy and the third-largest globally, following the Russian Navy’s Typhoon and Borei classes. The Ohio class is expected to be gradually replaced by the Columbia class beginning in 2031.
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The Ohios are very impressive boats with a 24 missile load, and there’s the UK carrying just 8 missiles on our boats, despite their ability to carry 16.
It’s a tradition that we under arm everything.
The least of our worries.
A SLBM attack from the USA, the UK, and France in retaliation for Russian attack will ruin anyone’s day even if only 8 missiles are aboard. Each carry multiple MIRVs and the target sets are co ordinated, at least between US/UK.
I doubt the Russians consider them under armed.
Its a bit of a mute piont really, but 24 missiles equates to 6 flights that can be launched. Despite what people may think, you cannot just ripple launch 24 missiles in 10 minutes. You will be lucky to get 3 flights away before a incoming counterstrike really makes your day and ends that little spat.
Hmmm…interesting. Did not realize counterforce strike could/would materialize that rapidly. Ergo, shoot and scoot, ala field artillery? 🤔
I always assumed any launch would indeed be ripple fire, once again proving that a little knowledge can be dangerous.
It’s all about buoyancy and staying within the firing envelope. It could be viewed as ripple firing but not in the context you infer. It’s done by flights of missiles, everytime you fire a missile your SM is suddenly approx 68 tonnes lighter for several seconds, until the water that replaces the missile fills the tube. An automated compensation system hopefully keeps you within the envelope so you can get a flight away without too much drama. It’s not instant.
Thanks for the explanation, should have realized water would be an issue, given firing position. 🙄👍
Dreadnought class slated to have 12 tubes. Maximum of 8 warheads/missile, therefore a maximum of 96 warheads for the CASD boat. Doubtful that would be the nominal load out, but be assured the total will be sufficient to ruin someone’s day.
Curious, could an overseas port call serve as an opportunity for a wholesale crew exchange? Believe USN at one time referred to a blue and a gold crew for each SSBN.
They will invariably never sail with a ‘full load’. as at least one tube will be empty for training purposes whilst deployed. Never a good idea to practice on a loaded tube so to speak.
,🤣😂😁😳😱🤞🙏