USS Ohio returns to service without nuclear warheads

The USS Ohio, a nuclear-powered submarine, has returned to active service in the Indo-Pacific region after completing a three-year maintenance period, which concluded in March 2025. The ship, originally tasked with carrying nuclear warheads as a ballistic missile submarine, underwent significant modifications over the years due to the Navy's strategic shift that reduced the number of ballistic missile submarines. Following this reduction, the Ohio and several similar vessels were converted to carry cruise missiles, enhancing their capabilities for strike and special operations missions while allowing them to maintain stealth and secrecy. Maintenance for the USS Ohio was particularly complex due to its age, being one of the oldest vessels in service. The extensive work was conducted at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where both crews effectively collaborated to minimize downtime and maintain consistent operations during the overhaul. The nuclear-powered submarine does not carry nuclear warheads anymore, as the Navy adjusted its operational focus to prioritize cruise missile capabilities. The significant capability of housing 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles allows the submarine to effectively engage targets using precision strikes, ensuring the United States has a powerful presence in critical regions. The strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific area has led to heightened naval presence, especially against potential threats from the Chinese military. The USS Ohio's deployment reflects the U.S. Navy's commitment to protecting its interests in areas like the South China Sea and Taiwan. These operations underline the necessity for the Navy to maintain technological advancements and flexibility within its submarine fleet to adapt to evolving geopolitical challenges and ensure national security. Rear Admiral Thomas Wall underscored the operational advantages that submarines like the USS Ohio provide, emphasizing their unique capabilities derived from stealth and specialized mission roles. As the U.S. expands its maritime posture, vessels such as the Ohio play an essential role in deterrence strategies and operational readiness. The transition from the Ohio's original mission to its current role with cruise missiles exemplifies how military needs can adapt over time to face modern threats while ensuring strategic stability in volatile regions.