US ballistic missile submarine stops in Guam amid Indo-Pacific tensions
Source: The Hill
A U.S. ballistic missile submarine made a stop in Guam on Saturday amid tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The USS Nevada arrived at the Apra Harbor in Guam on Saturday, according to a statement from the Navy. The branch said the rare visit reflects the United States' commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, and complements the many exercises, operations, training, and military cooperation activities conducted by Strategic Forces to ensure they are available and ready to operate around the globe at any time.
The USS Nevada is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine that is typically kept at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state. It serves as an undetectable launch platform for ballistic missiles.
The vessel provides the U.S. with its most survivable leg of the nuclear triad, according to the Navy. It carries 20 Trident ballistic missiles and is armed with dozens of nuclear warheads, CNN reported.
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/590077-us-ballistic-missile-submarine-stops-in-guam-amid-indo-pacific-tensions
This is a big, big deal. Ballistic missile subs rarely do this kind of thing, and wouldn't have done it if the Administration hadn't wanted to send a message to whoever's listening.
OAITW r.2.0
(24,610 posts)Here we are in Guam - in full view. Try to track us when we leave port.
GB_RN
(2,373 posts)The Nevada has been around a while.
Shellback Squid
(8,926 posts)jcmaine72
(1,773 posts)I wonder how many indigent Americans could have received free college educations with what that submarine and its planet-destroying arsenal costs?
nwliberalkiwi
(367 posts)My kids scout troop toured the USS Nevada. Really cramped enlisted crew quarters. Got to listen to the sea lions laying on the bow through the sonar array. Could not find the slot machines!!! This tour was in the 90's. This boat is getting a bit old.
orangecrush
(19,617 posts)Doesn't make it any less lethal.
Calista241
(5,586 posts)They're the replacement for the Ohio class, which are scheduled to begin decommissioning in 2027.
There's been some blend between the Attack and Ballistic missile class submarines also. All Virginia class subs have a VLS system, and the new Block V Virginias will have a shitload of VLS tubes. They normally carry Tomahawk missiles, which can be either conventional or nuclear armed.
The Virginias will also be armed with our hypersonic missile when it becomes available in the next 5-7 years.
Sapient Donkey
(1,568 posts)I thought they were still in the design phase. My father was on a boomer pre-Ohio classs. I mentioned they were working on a replacement for them, and he was shocked they would be replacing those new things. I had to remind him how old he is now. The 80s was a long time ago, dude.