Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Deployed Amid Tensions

In a strategic response to comments made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, US President Donald Trump announced on July 1, 2023, that he has ordered two US Navy nuclear submarines to be deployed to “appropriate regions.” The move aims to ensure the US is prepared for any potential escalation stemming from Medvedev’s remarks, which Trump described as “foolish and inflammatory.” The President’s statement was shared via a post on Truth Social but did not specify the types of submarines being moved or their exact locations.

Overview of the US Submarine Fleet

The US Navy operates a diverse fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, categorized into three main types: ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs), guided-missile submarines (SSGNs), and fast-attack submarines (SSNs). Each type has unique capabilities and strategic roles, contributing to the overall defense posture of the United States.

The Navy’s primary deterrent force consists of 14 Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines. Known colloquially as “boomers,” these submarines are designed for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads. Each Ohio-class SSBN can carry 20 Trident ballistic missiles, each equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. With a range of up to 4,600 miles (7,400 kilometers), they can strike targets without moving closer to potential adversaries, effectively allowing them to launch from various oceans, including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic.

These submarines measure 560 feet (170 meters) in length, displacing nearly 19,000 tons when submerged, and are operated by a crew of 159. Their ability to withstand an adversary’s first strike makes them a crucial component of the United States’ nuclear deterrent strategy.

Guided-Missile and Fast-Attack Submarines

In the 1990s, the Navy transitioned four Ohio-class SSBNs into guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) in response to changing military needs. These SSGNs maintain comparable specifications to their SSBN counterparts but are equipped to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles instead of Trident missiles. Each SSGN can hold up to 154 Tomahawks, which have a range of approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers).

In addition to their strike capabilities, SSGNs can also deploy troops via lockout chambers from their former ballistic-missile tubes, enhancing their versatility in various military operations. While the movements of these submarines are typically classified, the Navy has occasionally acknowledged their presence near critical military hotspots to reinforce deterrent messaging.

Fast-attack submarines, the backbone of the US Navy’s submarine fleet, are designed for anti-submarine warfare and surface ship engagement. They can also strike land-based targets with Tomahawk missiles, though in smaller quantities compared to SSGNs. The fast-attack fleet comprises three classes: Virginia, Los Angeles, and Seawolf.

The Virginia class represents the newest addition, with 23 commissioned as of July 1, 2023. These submarines range from 377 to 461 feet in length, displacing up to 10,200 tons and crewed by 145 personnel. The Los Angeles class, with 23 still in service, is the oldest, measuring 360 feet and displacing 6,900 tons with a crew of 143. The Seawolf class, although smaller, includes advanced capabilities. The USS Seawolf and USS Connecticut measure 353 feet and displace 9,100 tons, while the USS Jimmy Carter features a hull extended by 100 feet for specialized operations.

As tensions continue to evolve on the global stage, the deployment of US nuclear submarines underscores the ongoing commitment to national defense and strategic deterrence. The careful management and positioning of these powerful assets remain critical to ensuring stability and security.