Navy to convert ballistic missile subs
for special operations
By Donovan Brooks, Guam
bureau chief
FINEGAYEN — The Navy wants to convert two ballistic missile
submarines into cruise missile carrying, special operations capable platforms offering
huge amounts of firepower from a virtually invisible, self-sustaining platform.
“They would no longer be a strategic deterrent. Instead, they
would give a strike and special operations capability,” Navy Pentagon spokeswoman Lt.
Brauna Carl said.
Included in the 2002 federal budget, which is awaiting President
Bush’s approval, is $116 million for research and development costs, and advance
procurement for the conversion program, Carl said.
“A lot of times, you need certain parts or equipment that take a
long time to be made,” Carl said.
Total costs for converting the two Trident subs would be about $2
billion, with work beginning in 2003, Carl said. The program could eventually see more of
the Navy’s aging SSBN boomers in that role, the Navy said Wednesday.
It would take two years to refuel the submarines’ nuclear
propulsion plants, and another two years to complete the armament conversions. A year of
sea trials would take place, putting the subs back in operation around 2008, Carl said.
No determination has been made about where to base the subs, Carl
said. A Pentagon official recently said Guam would be a viable candidate.
The USS Georgia and Michigan, based at Naval Submarine Base, Bangor,
Wash., have been selected for the program, Carl said.
The Navy has 18 Trident subs still operating, which carry 50 percent
of the total U.S. strategic warheads.
Once converted, the subs would carry up to 154 cruise missiles
instead of 24 ballistic missiles, in 22 of 24 missile tubes. The other two tubes would be
refitted to allow divers and equipment to exit or enter the vessels for special operations
missions and training, Carl said.
“The advantage is that it brings a large number of cruise
missiles to a battle group commander. A potential enemy has no idea where they are,”
Carl said.
The program was started because the Navy saw it would not have enough
money to build enough new subs to meet the requirements of a 1999 study. The study said
the Navy needed about 77 submarines to meet mission demands. The Navy now has 54 Los
Angeles-class attack submarines, and has four of the next-generation Virginia-class subs
under construction.
Refitting and converting the 1960s-vintage Ohio-class subs instead of
decommissioning them is seen as the best way to fill U.S. defense needs, Carl said.
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