Key Points – The USS Ohio (SSGN-726), a US Navy guided-missile submarine, recently made a port call in Guam (starting April 23rd, with photos released May 13th), serving as a clear “show of force” aimed at China within the strategically vital Indo-Pacific.
-These converted Ohio-class submarines are formidable platforms, boasting stealth and the capacity to carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and deploy up to 66 Navy SEALs for diverse missions.
-The USS Ohio’s presence and its joint exercises with the US Marine Corps in Guam highlight America’s commitment to projecting power and countering China’s anti-access/area denial efforts in the region.
Why Show China a Stealth Ohio-Class Submarine?
The US Navy has a huge advantage with its nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines. They bring so much to the fight that it is sometimes unfair.
Adversaries have no idea where they are, as the location of these boats is usually top secret, but every once in a while, they can surface to send a message that they can attack anywhere and anytime.
These guided-missile vessels are superior strategically, operationally, and tactically compared to any sub that the enemy sails.
US Submarine Group Seven Is a Critical Force in the Indo-Pacific
Lately, there has been a surprising development with the Navy’s silent service. The USS Ohio, the lead sub of its class, is a cruise missile boat well known for dominance in major U.S. conflicts. The Ohio conducted a port of call at Naval Base Guam beginning on April 23.
This docking has been documented by photos released by US Submarine Group Seven on May 13. This force of subs is active in the Indo-Pacific and specifically conducts operations to counter Chinese influence in the region.
Why Is Guam So Important?
Guam is key to the offensive and defensive force posture in East Asia. It is around 1,800 miles from China, and several US military installations are on the island. China watches whatever happens on Guam closely. This is an unsinkable air base, too, with the ability to project power to show China who is boss in the region. Guam is part of the Second Island Chain and is key to Beijing’s military strategy to counter US power there. The idea is for Xi Jinping’s military to execute an anti-access/ area denial strategy in the First and Second Island Chain to blunt the Americans.
The Ohio-class Is Combat Proven
The Ohio is the first sub of the Ohio-class guided missile fast attack boat. Other subs in its class are the USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Georgia. The Ohio-class can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. These have a range of 1,000 miles and have brought doom to the enemy in many different conflicts and contingency operations over the years.
Navy SEALs Play a Significant Role
The Ohio can also infiltrate and exfiltrate Navy SEALs for maritime missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data collection. SEALs also perform duties as the “first in” force to prep landing areas for amphibious attacks and blow up enemy ships at port. The Ohio can carry up to 66 SEALs and support personnel.
Meanwhile, China has 12 nuclear-powered submarines and 48 diesel-electric-powered submarines. Xi has identified the submarine force as an area to modernize. He wants more “boomer” nuclear-tipped ballistic missile subs and additional nuclear-powered boats that are more survivable, fast, and stealthy.
Hunt, Kill, and Bombard Enemy Territory
The Ohio was conducting “routine operations” before it docked in Guam. It has been busy simulating “hunter-killer” missions to improve undersea warfare tactics. US submarine crews are considered an elite group of sailors. They must undergo rigorous and challenging training to operate nuclear power plants on board subs and ships. When you combine these sailors with SEALs, you have some of the Navy’s best and most well-trained personnel.
The Ohio is in Guam to conduct exercises with the U.S. Marine Corps. The drills were about providing “flexible, forward-postured, and quick-response options to regional commanders,” a photo caption read. As noted, the SEALs onboard were probably rehearsing to prep the battle space for amphibious operations. These drills simulate a new island-hopping strategy to show the Chinese that the Americans are no pushovers in the Indo-Pacific.
The Ohio-class provides “unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities, according to the Navy, as noted by Newsweek.
The Ohio is homeported in Bangor, Washington, and it cruised to Hawaii in early April. Then, it left Pearl Harbor for the friendly confines of Guam—a long journey that shows the sub’s global reach. The Florida and Michigan transited to Guam in 2024.
“Submarine Group [Seven] will advance the interests of the United States and the security of prosperity of the region by effectively employing forward deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare. We will endeavor to prevent conflict but remain prepared to win decisively,” a spokesperson for Submarine Group Seven said in a news release.
The Navy will likely publicize more submarine port calls to Guam in the coming months. This is a message to China that the boats always run silent and deep to execute recon missions, deposit SEALs, and launch their Tomahawk cruise missiles. Any conflict with China will be a missile fight, and the Ohios are always ready to answer the call when needed.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
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