Navy Trident Submarine Conversion (SSGN) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

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Abstract:

The Navy procured 18 Ohio SSBN-726 class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines SSBNs between FY1974 and FY1991 to serve as part of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent force. They are commonly called Trident submarines because they carry Trident submarine-launched ballistic missiles SLBMs. The first Trident entered service in 1981, the 18th in 1997. The first 8 SSBNs 726 through 733 were originally armed with Trident I C4 SLBMs the final 10 SSBNs 734 through 743 were armed with larger and more powerful Trident II D5 SLBMs. The boats were originally designed for a 30-year life but were later certified for a 42-year life, composed of 20 years of operation, a two-year mid-life nuclear refueling overhaul, and then another 20 years of operation. The FY2006 budget completed the funding required in the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy SCN account for the Navys program to refuel and convert four Trident ballistic missile submarines SSBNs into cruise-missile-carrying and special operations forces SOF support submarines SSGNs. Initial Operational Capability IOC for the program was declared on November 1, 2007. The total estimated cost of the program is about 4.0 billion. This report will be updated as events warrant.

Author(s):
O'rourke, Ronald
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Supplementary Note:
CRS Report for Congress.
Pagination:
0007

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRS-RS21007
Monitor Series:
CRS/DC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8.2.2_Provide Aid to Foreign Partners and Institutions; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_4.2.3_Manage Global Supplier Networks; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_5.3_Planning
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINES, *SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, *REFUELING, *COST ESTIMATES, *CONVERSION, *CRUISE MISSILES, SHIPBUILDING, LEGISLATION, TRANSFORMATIONS, LAUNCH TUBES, MILITARY MODERNIZATION, NAVAL BUDGETS, MISSIONS, SCHEDULING, NAVY, PAYLOAD
Field(s)/Group(s):
Economics and Cost Analysis, Submarine Engineering
Keyword(s):
*SSBN CLASS VESSELS, *SSGN CLASS VESSELS, SSBN(BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINES), SSGN(GUIDED MISSILE SUBMARINES), TRIDENT SUBMARINES, TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILES, ERO(ENGINEERING REFUELING OVERHAUL), SSGN(NUCLEAR POWERED CRUISE MISSILE SUBMARINES)
Report Date:
2008 Oct 02
Creation Date:
2008 Nov 19