The U.S. Navy’s Ohio-Class SSGN Submarines Summed Up in 1 Word

Key Points and Summary – Four converted Ohio-class SSGNs—Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia—retire between 2026–2028, removing up to 616 undersea Tomahawk cells and unmatched support for covert special operations.

-Built in the 1980s as SSBNs, they were refit to carry 154 TLAMs each and host SEALs, SDVs, and Dry Deck Shelters.

-Their departure, alongside Ticonderoga cruiser retirements, slashes Navy VLS capacity by 2,000+ cells.

-Block V Virginia-class subs with the Virginia Payload Module (40 TLAMs) mitigate but can’t replace the load; 22 would be needed, and deliveries lag due to Columbia SSBN priorities.

-A future Large Payload Sub won’t arrive until ~2044, leaving a long strike and spec-ops gap.

The U.S. Navy’s Ohio-Class SSGNs Are Retiring—Here’s What We Lose

The Ohio-class SSGNs are a unique submarine class of nuclear attack submarines that have been converted to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles instead of long-range ICBMs. These submarines are designed to fill a specific niche in the submarine forces and provide support for spec ops forces.

The U.S. Navy currently operates four SSGNs, which include USS Ohio, USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Georgia. However, these four submarines are scheduled to be decommissioned between 2026 and 2028.

With no suitable replacements announced, the Navy is set to lose a significant amount of undersea TLAM capability.

The Navy’s Ohio-Class SSGN Nightmare In 1 Word: Retirement 

Originally constructed in the 1980s as SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines), the Ohio-class boats were designed to carry Trident nuclear missiles as part of the United States’ strategic deterrent. However, following the 1994 Nuclear Posture Review and the START II treaty, the Navy reduced its SSBN fleet from 18 to 14 submarines.

Four of the oldest Ohio-class SSBNs were selected for conversion into SSGNs between 2002 and 2008. These conversions were extensive and transformative. The submarines traded their 24 Trident missile tubes for 22 tubes capable of launching up to 154 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs).

They were also modified to support up to 66 Special Forces personnel, SEAL Delivery Vehicles, and Dry Deck Shelters, making them highly versatile platforms for both strike and covert operations.

Despite their continued utility, the Ohio-class SSGNs are now over 40 years old. Their nuclear reactors are aging, and maintenance costs are rising. The Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan confirms their retirement schedule, with USS Ohio and USS Florida set to retire in 2026, followed by USS Michigan and USS Georgia in 2028. The decision to retire these submarines is based on their age and the limitations of extending their service life further.

While they remain effective, the cost and complexity of maintaining them beyond their planned lifespan outweigh the benefits, according to the Navy.

A Huge Capability Loss

The retirement of these submarines will result in a dramatic reduction in the Navy’s vertical launch system (VLS) capacity. Each Ohio-class SSGN carries up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, meaning the loss of all four submarines equates to a reduction of 616 VLS cells dedicated to long-range strike missions.

This is a significant blow to the Navy’s ability to project power from stealthy platforms. In fact, the Ohio-class SSGNs represent more than half of the submarine force’s vertical launch payload capacity.

When combined with the planned retirement of the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, each of which carries 122 VLS cells, the Navy will lose over 2,000 VLS cells by 2027.

This reduction comes at a time when peer adversaries, such as China and Russia, are expanding their naval capabilities, thereby increasing the strategic importance of maintaining a robust strike capacity.

To mitigate the loss of the Ohio-class SSGNs, the Navy is procuring Block V Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). Each VPM adds four large-diameter vertical launch tubes capable of carrying up to 28 Tomahawk missiles. This increases the total missile capacity of Block V boats from 12 to 40.

SSN 774 Virginia Class Submarine Artist Rendering from U.S. Navy.

However, even with these enhancements, a single Block V Virginia-class submarine carries less than one-third the missile load of an Ohio-class SSGN. To match the lost payload capacity, the Navy would need 22 Block V submarines, but production delays, exacerbated by the Columbia-class SSBN program, mean these boats won’t be fully operational until well into the 2030s.

No Short-Term Replacements

The Navy’s long-term shipbuilding plan includes the development of what some have called Large Payload Submarines, potentially derived from the Columbia-class SSBN design. These vessels are intended to replicate or exceed the capabilities of the Ohio-class SSGNs.

However, the first of these submarines is not expected to enter service until 2044 at the earliest. A full fleet of seven Large Payload Submarines may not be realized until 2053, leaving a decades-long capability gap.

In the meantime, the Navy may rely on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which have VLS cells for Tomahawk missiles, and existing Virginia-class submarines, some of which are equipped with Dry Deck Shelters for special operations. However, none of these platforms can fully replicate the unique combination of firepower, stealth, and special operations support provided by the Ohio-class SSGNs.

This is a potentially dangerous mistake that the Navy is making for several reasons. First, it reduces the Navy’s first-strike capability. The ability to launch over 600 Tomahawk missiles from stealthy platforms is a critical asset in any major conflict, especially in the Indo-Pacific theater. Second, it results in the loss of covert special operations support. These submarines are uniquely suited for clandestine missions, capable of deploying SEALs and unmanned systems while remaining submerged. Third, it limits command and control capabilities.

The SSGNs serve as underwater command centers, fusing intelligence and coordinating operations in contested environments. Finally, it may erode deterrence. The visible presence of Ohio-class SSGNs has been used to signal strength during geopolitical tensions.

Their absence could embolden adversaries.

About the Author: Isaac Seitz

Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.

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