USS Georgia SSBN Enters Conversion to SSGN “Tactical Trident” SpecOps Sub
Back on May 20, 2005, DID covered advance materials procurement as part of the program to modify one of the USA’s Ohio Class SSBN nuclear missile subs to become long range conventional strike and special operations SSGN “Tactical Trident” submarines. To that end, four ultra-stealthy Ohio-class SSBNs are having their ballistic missiles removed and replaced with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles – as well as accommodation for 66-102 special forces troops, Advanced SEAL delivery system (ASDS) “mini-subs,” and a mission control center. In future, they may also carry UUV robotic vehicles. These modifications provide the USA with an impressive and impressively flexible set of conventional firepower, in a survivable and virtually undetectable platform that can remain on station for very long periods.
General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. in Groton, CT is the prime contractor, and they recently received a new $162.4 million contract modification for work on the USS Georgia [SSBN 729]. The conversion to SSGN status will be conducted concurrently with the ship’s engineered refueling overhaul, and work is expected to complete by September 2007. Work will be performed in Norfolk, VA (77% – where the refueling overhaul takes place), Quonset Point, RI (16%) and Groton, CT (7%). The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C. issued the contract.
We have updated and moved our DID Focus article for the SSGN program. In it, we discuss the origins of these conversions, the key players, the timeline, and some of the technologies involved. DID also offers comprehensive coverage of the announced contracts to date under this $1.4 billion refurbishment and conversion program, and even includes a section with a number of ancillary contracts and programs. Read “SSGN “Tactical Trident” Subs: Special Forces and Super Strike.”
