Ohio-class submarine

The Ohio class is a U.S. Navy class of nuclear-powered submarines built for strategic missile deterrence. Four boats were later converted to carry guided missiles and support special operations.

Submarine-launched ballistic missile: A ballistic missile designed to be launched from a submarine, usually carrying nuclear warheads. Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines carry these weapons as the core of their strategic deterrent role.
Ballistic missile submarine: A submarine designed to launch ballistic missiles, commonly as part of a nuclear deterrent force. The Ohio class was built primarily as a ballistic missile submarine.
Cold War: A prolonged geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union and their allies, lasting roughly from 1947 to 1991. The class was developed to strengthen U.S. nuclear deterrence during this rivalry.
USS Ohio (SSGN-726): An Ohio-class submarine converted from ballistic-missile service to guided-missile and special-operations roles. The lead ship became one of four converted boats, illustrating the class's second mission.
Mutual assured destruction: A deterrence doctrine in which opposing nuclear powers can inflict unacceptable damage after a nuclear attack. The Ohio class strengthens the retaliatory capability central to this doctrine.
Trident II: A U.S. and British submarine-launched ballistic missile with multiple independently targetable warheads. The Ohio class carries Trident II missiles, replacing the earlier Trident I on its strategic boats.
Guided-missile submarine: A submarine configured to launch guided missiles, especially land-attack cruise missiles. The four converted Ohio boats belong to this operational category.
George Washington-class submarine: The first U.S. class of fleet ballistic-missile submarines, converted from attack submarines in the late 1950s. It began the U.S. sea-based strategic-missile force that the Ohio class later expanded.
USS Michigan (SSGN-727): An Ohio-class submarine converted to carry guided missiles and support special operations. Its conversion shows how an original strategic submarine was adapted for conventional missions.
Second-strike capability: The ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons after absorbing an adversary's first strike. Concealed Ohio-class patrols help preserve a U.S. second-strike force.

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Borei-class submarineCompared with: It is the closest U.S. counterpart to Borei in strategic role.