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USS Ohio (SSGN 726)

USS OHIO is the first TRIDENT - class nuclear powered submarine and the fourth United States vessel to bear the name of the 17^th state of the union. USS OHIO has already completed more than 50 patrols. On December 9, 2001, she successfully launched four Trident I C4 missiles.

On November 15, 2002, conversion started to modify the USS OHIO to carry 154 conventional cruise missiles instead of 24 Trident missiles. Conversion was finished in late 2005, and the OHIO was redesignated SSGN 726. As an SSGN, the OHIO is now also able to support operations of up to 66 Special Forces Personnel for up to 90 days. OHIO rejoined the fleet on February 7, 2006.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS OHIO. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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USS OHIO History:

USS OHIO, the lead ship of the OHIO-class nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarines, was ordered from the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics at Groton, Connecticut, on July 1, 1974. Her keel was laid on April 10, 1976, marking the beginning of construction of a new generation of American strategic missile submarines intended to replace the older POLARIS- and POSEIDON-equipped boats of the "41 for Freedom" force. The new class was designed to carry 24 TRIDENT I (C4) submarine-launched ballistic missiles and provide extended submerged endurance and improved acoustic performance.

On February 2, 1978, the pre-commissioning unit was established under Captain Alton K. Thompson, who was designated as the prospective commanding officer of the Blue Crew. OHIO was launched at Groton on April 7, 1979, sponsored by Annie Glenn, wife of Senator and former astronaut John H. Glenn. Fitting-out, systems installation, and crew training continued during the following two years as Electric Boat and Navy personnel prepared the submarine for her initial sea trials.

During the summer of 1981, OHIO conducted builder's and acceptance trials in the Atlantic, testing her nuclear propulsion plant, navigation equipment, sonar, communications systems, and strategic weapons equipment. The submarine was formally delivered to the U.S. Navy on October 28, 1981. On November 11, she was commissioned at Groton, Connecticut, with Captain Thompson commanding the Blue Crew and Captain Arlington F. Campbell commanding the Gold Crew. Vice President George H. W. Bush was the principal speaker at the commissioning ceremony, which was attended by approximately 8,000 guests.

Following commissioning, OHIO continued shakedown training and preparations for her first operational assignment. Her activities included weapons-system evaluations and exercises intended to establish the operational readiness of the first TRIDENT-equipped submarine. On January 17, 1982, the Blue Crew successfully launched a TRIDENT I (C4) missile during Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 9. The launch was the first ballistic missile firing conducted by OHIO and formed part of the testing program required before the submarine could enter strategic deterrent service.

Further missile-system trials continued during the spring of 1982, including a successful TRIDENT I launch by the Gold Crew on March 13. Following completion of post-shakedown work, OHIO departed the Atlantic and proceeded toward her assigned homeport at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington. The transfer included passage through the Panama Canal and additional preparations for operations with the Pacific Fleet's strategic submarine force.

On August 12, 1982, OHIO arrived at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, becoming the first operational submarine permanently assigned to Commander Submarine Group 9. During August and September, the submarine completed preparations at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific, including the loading and servicing of her TRIDENT I missiles. On September 6, the TRIDENT submarine force and TRIDENT I weapon system achieved Initial Operational Capability.

On October 1, 1982, OHIO departed Bangor with the Blue Crew for the first operational strategic deterrent patrol conducted by a TRIDENT-equipped submarine. During the patrol, the submarine operated submerged in the Pacific, maintaining communications and weapons readiness while carrying out her strategic deterrent mission. She returned to Bangor on December 10, completing the first operational patrol of the new class.

During 1983, OHIO continued the Blue and Gold Crew rotation system, which permitted extended periods at sea while alternating crews underwent training and maintenance preparations ashore. The submarine also participated in follow-on operational testing of the TRIDENT I missile system, intended to verify missile reliability and the performance of the weapons system under operational conditions.

On September 6, 1983, OHIO's Gold Crew successfully launched four TRIDENT I (C4) missiles during a Follow-on Operational Test. This was the first TRIDENT I flight test conducted on the Pacific Test Range. The launches used the Pacific Flight Test Support System operated by the Navy's Pacific Missile Test Center and provided data on the performance of the missile and its associated weapons system.

During the following year, OHIO continued strategic deterrent patrols from Bangor. On June 3, 1984, the submarine conducted another Follow-on Operational Test, successfully launching four TRIDENT I missiles. The test formed part of the Navy's continuing evaluation program to monitor missile reliability, accuracy, and operational performance throughout the service life of the C4 weapon system.

Throughout the middle of the 1980s, OHIO maintained a regular schedule of strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific. Her assignments required extended submerged operations, with the Blue and Gold Crews alternating between patrol duty and training ashore. Specific patrol areas and movements were not publicly disclosed, reflecting the operational security requirements associated with strategic ballistic missile submarines.

On November 22, 1986, OHIO's Gold Crew completed a strategic patrol that marked the 50th operational patrol conducted by the TRIDENT I submarine force as a whole. The milestone reflected the expansion of the TRIDENT program following the introduction of OHIO and the commissioning of additional submarines of the class.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, OHIO continued operating from Bangor as part of Submarine Squadron 17 and Submarine Group 9. The submarine remained equipped with TRIDENT I (C4) missiles while the Navy introduced the larger TRIDENT II (D5) system aboard later OHIO-class submarines. Her operations continued through the final years of the Cold War and the subsequent reduction of American and Soviet strategic nuclear forces.

On July 1, 1993, OHIO entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Bremerton, Washington, for the first TRIDENT submarine Engineered Overhaul. The overhaul included extensive maintenance and modernization of the submarine's propulsion support equipment, navigation systems, sonar, fire-control equipment, and other major components. The strategic weapons portion of the work included installation of equipment associated with the TRIDENT Navigation Commonality Program, introducing updated navigation capabilities to the Bangor-based ballistic missile submarine force.

The Engineered Overhaul was completed on June 10, 1994, after approximately eleven and a half months. OHIO subsequently underwent post-overhaul trials and weapons-system certification. On October 22, the Gold Crew successfully launched a TRIDENT I missile during a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, confirming the readiness of the strategic weapons system following the shipyard period.

After completing the required weapons loading and operational preparations, OHIO resumed strategic deterrent patrols on January 25, 1995. She continued operating from Bangor with Submarine Squadron 17, maintaining the established Blue and Gold Crew rotation and participating in periodic missile-system evaluations.

On May 16, 1996, OHIO successfully launched four TRIDENT I (C4) missiles during a Follow-on Commander-in-Chief Evaluation Test. The test was part of the continuing program to assess the reliability and performance of the TRIDENT I weapon system while the Navy was progressively introducing TRIDENT II missiles aboard other submarines of the class.

On March 12, 1998, OHIO returned to Bangor following the completion of her 50th strategic deterrent patrol. Members of the Blue Crew formed the word "FIFTY" on the submarine's missile deck during the arrival, marking the occasion. OHIO was the first submarine of the TRIDENT class to complete fifty strategic deterrent patrols.

During the following years, OHIO continued strategic operations in the Pacific. By this time, the Navy was evaluating the future of the first four OHIO-class submarines, which had entered service with TRIDENT I missiles. Under post-Cold-War force reductions, these submarines had originally been scheduled for retirement as the Navy consolidated its strategic deterrent force around fourteen TRIDENT II-equipped ballistic missile submarines.

On December 9, 2001, OHIO successfully launched four TRIDENT I (C4) missiles during a Follow-on Commander-in-Chief Evaluation Test. Nine days later, on December 18, she conducted another successful four-missile launch. The December 18 test was the final flight test of the TRIDENT I (C4) Strategic Weapon System, ending more than twenty years of operational flight testing of the missile.

During this period, OHIO's Blue Crew also received recognition for the quality of its food-service operations. The crew's galley was selected for the Navy's Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award and the Marine Corps Major General W. P. T. Hill Award in the Pacific Fleet afloat category for 2001.

On October 1, 2002, OHIO was removed from the strategic ballistic missile submarine force in preparation for conversion to a guided-missile submarine. On October 10, she completed the final offloading of her TRIDENT I missiles at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific. The offload ended OHIO's service as an operational nuclear ballistic missile submarine after twenty years of strategic deterrent patrols.

Instead of proceeding to decommissioning, OHIO was selected for conversion under a program to retain the first four submarines of the class in a new conventional-strike and special operations role. The other submarines selected were USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727), USS FLORIDA (SSGN 728), and USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729). The program was intended to provide platforms capable of launching large numbers of conventional cruise missiles and supporting the covert deployment of special operations forces.

On November 15, 2002, OHIO entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for a major refueling and conversion availability. The work included refueling her S8G nuclear reactor and preparing the submarine for its new mission. The main SSGN conversion phase began in November 2003 and involved extensive modifications to the strategic missile compartment, combat systems, communications equipment, and facilities for special operations personnel.

Twenty-two of the submarine's original TRIDENT missile tubes were modified to accommodate Multiple All-Up-Round Canisters, each capable of carrying seven TOMAHAWK land-attack cruise missiles. This provided OHIO with a maximum theoretical capacity of 154 TOMAHAWK missiles. Two additional missile tubes were converted into lockout chambers for deploying and recovering special operations personnel, including Navy SEAL teams.

The conversion also included installation of improved communications and command-and-control equipment, modifications to accommodate special operations personnel and their equipment, and facilities to support the use of Dry Deck Shelters. OHIO retained her four 21-inch torpedo tubes for self-defense and was equipped to embark as many as 66 special operations personnel in addition to her regular crew.

The conversion work was completed during December 2005, and Electric Boat announced completion of the program on January 9, 2006. Following final inspections, testing, and operational certification, OHIO formally rejoined the fleet as USS OHIO (SSGN 726) during a ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor on February 7, 2006. She became the first converted OHIO-class guided-missile submarine to return to operational service.

Following recommitment to the fleet in her new configuration, OHIO conducted training and operational preparations for her first forward deployment as an SSGN. The Navy adopted a deployment system under which the submarine could remain in an overseas operating area for extended periods while her Blue and Gold Crews alternated at forward bases. Guam became a principal support location for these operations.

On January 21, 2007, members of OHIO's Gold Crew departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to conduct a crew exchange with the Blue Crew. The evolution was the first forward-deployed submarine crew swap of its kind conducted by the Navy in approximately twenty years. The exchange involved transferring approximately 160 personnel from each crew, along with equipment, tools, records, and supplies required to maintain continuity of submarine operations.

During the following months, OHIO continued exercises and preparations for her first extended Western Pacific deployment in the SSGN role. On October 15, 2007, she departed Bangor for her first operational mission as a guided-missile submarine. During the passage westward, she visited Pearl Harbor before continuing toward Guam and the Seventh Fleet area of operations.

The deployment marked the first extended forward deployment of an American SSGN. OHIO operated with Guam as a principal logistical and crew-support location, maintaining readiness for conventional land-attack missions and the support of special operations forces. The Navy did not publicly disclose the details of her operational missions during this period.

On February 20, 2008, OHIO arrived at the Republic of Korea Naval Base in Busan, South Korea, for her first foreign port visit since conversion to a guided-missile submarine. The visit provided an opportunity for professional exchanges with American and South Korean military personnel and took place during preparations for the annual KEY RESOLVE and FOAL EAGLE exercises.

Following the Busan visit, OHIO resumed operations in the Western Pacific. Her deployment continued through the remainder of 2008, with crew exchanges and maintenance periods supporting extended forward operations. On December 8, she arrived at Pearl Harbor during the concluding phase of her first SSGN deployment cycle before returning to Bangor.

On June 28, 2010, OHIO arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines during a coordinated series of port visits by three American guided-missile submarines. On the same day, MICHIGAN arrived at Busan, South Korea, while FLORIDA entered Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory. The three submarines were capable of carrying a combined maximum load of 462 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles.

The simultaneous presence of the three submarines in widely separated locations demonstrated the geographic reach of the SSGN force. OHIO subsequently continued operations in the Western Pacific, maintaining the forward-deployment pattern established after her conversion.

During the early 2010s, OHIO continued extended deployments and crew exchanges, with periodic maintenance and operational support at Guam and Naval Base Kitsap. Her assignments included maintaining conventional strike readiness and supporting the Navy's submarine operations in the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility. Details of individual missions remained largely undisclosed.

On June 22, 2012, Lieutenant Britta Christianson, supply officer of OHIO's Gold Crew, became the first female Supply Corps officer to qualify in submarines. During a ceremony at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, she received her Submarine Supply Corps warfare insignia from Gold Crew commanding officer Captain Rodney Mills. Christianson had joined OHIO as part of the first group of women assigned to submarine service following the Navy's decision to open submarine duty to female officers.

On April 11, 2013, OHIO arrived at Apra Harbor, Guam, for another exchange between her Blue and Gold Crews. Navy photographs documented the submarine entering the harbor and mooring at Polaris Point. The visit formed part of the crew rotation and maintenance arrangements used to sustain extended SSGN operations in the Western Pacific.

During the following years, OHIO continued submarine operations in the Pacific, including visits to Guam and allied ports. On July 13, 2016, she arrived at the Republic of Korea Fleet Base in Busan for a scheduled visit during a routine Western Pacific deployment. The submarine was operating forward from Guam while maintaining Bangor as her homeport.

On August 2, 2016, Chief Culinary Specialist Dominique Saavedra became the first female enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy to earn her submarine warfare qualification. Although assigned to MICHIGAN, Saavedra had embarked aboard OHIO to complete her basic, advanced, and underway watchstanding qualifications. She received her silver submarine warfare insignia during a ceremony at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard before preparing to deploy aboard MICHIGAN.

On April 25, 2017, OHIO entered dry dock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility for a major maintenance period. The availability involved extensive repair and modernization work on the submarine's mechanical, structural, electrical, and combat systems. Major work included preservation and structural repairs to the sail, tanks, and superstructure, along with improvements to equipment required for continued SSGN operations.

The availability continued for approximately twenty-seven months and involved nearly 400,000 man-days of work by shipyard personnel, contractors, and members of OHIO's crew. On August 14, 2019, OHIO completed the major maintenance period and returned to the fleet following the restoration and modernization of major onboard systems.

During the opening years of the 2020s, OHIO continued operations and preparations for further maintenance as the Navy evaluated the future service life of its four guided-missile submarines. The submarines had originally been scheduled for retirement in the middle of the decade, but their continued operation remained under review as the Navy assessed the availability of conventional submarine-launched strike capabilities.

In February 2022, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, announced the winners of the 2021 Battle Efficiency awards. OHIO's Blue and Gold Crews were jointly recognized with the Battle Efficiency "E" for Submarine Squadron 19. The award was based on operational readiness, mission performance, training, and other measures of the crews' ability to carry out their assigned duties.

Around the same period, OHIO began another extensive Major Maintenance Period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The three-year availability involved major repairs to mechanical equipment, replacement of the submarine's propeller shaft, refurbishment of main ballast tanks and structural components, and extensive work on weapons-handling and other shipboard systems.

The maintenance program required more than 512,000 resource days of work by the shipyard, the submarine's Blue and Gold Crews, contractors, and Navy technical organizations. Work also included modernization of combat and communications systems and modifications intended to support continued operational service.

On February 24, 2025, OHIO completed the three-year Major Maintenance Period. The availability concluded with certification by Naval Sea Systems Command for unrestricted operations, permitting the submarine to resume operational assignments. Following completion of post-maintenance preparations, OHIO returned to Pacific Fleet operations.

On April 23, 2025, OHIO arrived at Naval Base Guam, entering Apra Harbor during operations in the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility. The submarine was operating under Commander Submarine Group 7 while remaining homeported at Bangor and assigned to Submarine Squadron 19. Captain Andy Cain was commanding OHIO's Gold Crew during the arrival.

During the following months, OHIO continued operating from forward locations in the Western Pacific. On June 23, 2025, she was again photographed transiting Apra Harbor at Naval Base Guam during routine Seventh Fleet operations. On July 27, 2025, OHIO arrived at Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit, becoming the first OHIO-class submarine to visit the city. She moored alongside the forward-deployed submarine tender USS FRANK CABLE (AS 40), which had arrived the previous day to provide logistical and maintenance support.

During the Brisbane visit, OHIO and FRANK CABLE hosted naval representatives, local officials, and other visitors. The crews also participated in community activities during the port period. The visit took place during routine Seventh Fleet operations and preceded the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific, when Brisbane had served as an important American submarine base.

OHIO subsequently remained part of the U.S. Navy's guided-missile submarine force. Plans that had previously called for her retirement during fiscal year 2026 were reconsidered, and the submarine remained in commission as the Navy continued operating the remaining OHIO-class SSGNs.

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USS OHIO Patch Gallery:

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USS OHIO Image Gallery:

The photo below was taken by Ian Johnson and shows OHIO at Fremantle, Australia, on January 1, 2010.

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