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Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Deployed Amid Russian Tensions

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US President Donald Trump announced on March 15, 2024, that he has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to “appropriate regions” in response to remarks made by Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia and current deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the need to be “prepared,” indicating that the submarines will be strategically positioned due to concerns over Medvedev’s “foolish and inflammatory statements.”

The president did not disclose the specific type or location of the submarines being moved, aligning with the Pentagon’s standard practice of maintaining operational secrecy regarding submarine movements. The US Navy operates three classes of nuclear-powered submarines, only one of which is armed with nuclear weapons.

Overview of the US Submarine Fleet

The US Navy possesses a diverse fleet of nuclear submarines, each designed for distinct roles. The most notable among them are the ballistic-missile submarines, guided-missile submarines, and fast-attack submarines.

Ballistic-missile submarines include a total of 14 Ohio-class vessels, often referred to as “boomers.” These submarines are specifically engineered for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads. Each Ohio-class submarine can carry up to 20 Trident ballistic missiles, each equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. The Trident missiles boast an impressive range of up to 4,600 miles (approximately 7,400 kilometers), allowing them to strike targets without needing to approach closer to Russia, as they can launch from the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, or Arctic Oceans. These submarines serve as a significant deterrent, expected to withstand an adversary’s initial strike. Measuring 560 feet (170 meters) long and displacing almost 19,000 tons submerged, each Ohio-class submarine operates with a crew of 159 and can reach speeds of up to 23 miles per hour.

The Navy has also converted four Ohio-class submarines into guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) in the 1990s, reflecting a strategic shift in deterrence roles. These SSGNs retain similar specifications but are armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles instead of Trident missiles. Each SSGN can carry up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, each with a high-explosive warhead weighing up to 1,000 pounds and a range of about 1,000 miles. The SSGNs also have the capability to deploy troops using lockout chambers, enhancing their operational versatility. Their movements are classified, yet they have been occasionally noted near military hotspots to reinforce deterrence.

Fast-Attack Submarines

The majority of the US Navy’s submarine fleet consists of fast-attack submarines, designed for hunting and neutralizing enemy submarines and surface vessels. Fast-attack submarines can also target land-based threats with Tomahawk missiles, although they carry fewer than the SSGNs.

Fast-attack submarines fall into three categories: the Virginia, Los Angeles, and Seawolf classes. The Virginia class is the newest, with 23 submarines commissioned as of July 1, 2023. These submarines range from 377 to 461 feet in length and displace up to 10,200 tons, operating with a crew of 145. The Los Angeles class, which remains in service with 23 submarines, measures 360 feet long and displaces 6,900 tons with a crew of 143. The smaller Seawolf class includes two submarines, the USS Seawolf and USS Connecticut, each measuring 353 feet and displacing 9,100 tons. Notably, the USS Jimmy Carter, the third Seawolf-class submarine, features a hull extended by 100 feet to accommodate advanced technology and classified operations.

The recent order by President Trump to reposition nuclear submarines underscores the ongoing strategic tensions with Russia, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a robust military posture in the face of potential threats. As global dynamics continue to evolve, the capabilities and movements of the US Navy’s submarine fleet will remain a critical component of national security strategy.

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