However, rather than retiring some of the oldest boats as originally planned, the Navy decided to refit four of the eighteen Ohio-class subs to serve as cruise missile carriers to launch conventional attacks against ground and sea targets—starting with the Meanwhile, the New START treaty which came into effect in 2011 imposes additional limits on the number of deployed nuclear weapons. USS Michigan (SSGN 727) started its shipyard availability in October 2004 and delivered in November 2006. The Ohio-class submarines were designed specifically for extended war-deterrence patrols. Advanced procurement was funded at $355 million in fiscal year 2002, $825 million in the FY 2003 budget and, through the five-year defense budget plan, at $936 million in FY 2004, $505 million in FY 2005, and $170 million in FY 2006. USS Georgia (SSGN 729) completed conversion in December 2007.The Navy entered into a unique partnership to bring the SSGN concept to fruition. This first-of-a-kind partnership has proved highly successful as the program finished on time and on cost.Combined, the four SSGNs represent more than half of the Submarine Force’s vertical launch payload capacity with each SSGN capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. With the cooperation of both Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, in 2007, the U.S. Navy began a cost control study. These missile tubes can also accommodate additional stowage canisters for SOF equipment, food, and other consumables to extend the submarines’ ability to remain forward deployed in support of combatant commander’s tasking. The class's design allows the warship to operate for about fifteen years between major overhauls. This is a nightmarish weapon of the apocalypse.The closest competitor to the Ohio-class submarine is the Russia’s sole remaining Typhoon-class submarine, a larger vessel with twenty ballistic-missile launch tubes. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington carried out the EROs for both Ohio and Michigan while Norfolk Naval Shipyard, located in Virginia, conducted Florida’s and Georgia’s refueling. In short, a full salvo from an Ohio-class submarine—which can be launched in less than one minute—could unleash up to 192 nuclear warheads to wipe twenty-four cities off the map. However, these are intended primarily for self-defense—a ballistic missile submarine’s job isn’t to hunt enemy ships and submarines, but to lie as low and quiet as possible to deny adversaries any means of tracking their movements. The Ohio Class submarine is fitted with four 533mm torpedo tubes with an mk118 digital torpedo fire control system. Manufacturer: General Dynamics Electric Boat DivisionArmament: Up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, Mk48 torpedoes; 4 torpedo tubesOhio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGN) provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each patrol lasts around 70 days. With its tremendous payload capacity, dual crew deployment concept, and inherent stealth, each SSGN brings mission flexibility and enhanced capabilities to the warfighter.Ships in class: Of 18 Ohio class submarines in existence, 14 are nuclear-powered SSBNs, submarines equipped with 24 Trident II nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, and 4 are nuclear-powered SSGNs, submarines equipped with 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles apiece. The mk48 is a heavyweight torpedo with a warhead of 290kg, which has been operational in the US Navy since 1972. The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing uses a...The Army continues to stress the importance of involving soldiers in equipment development much earlier than in past efforts.The Army has been designing the Common-Hypersonic Glide Body, which will be used by all U.S. services.The Marine amphibious assault vehicle that sank off the coast of California last week has been located in 385 feet of water.The Marines and sailor were assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines.The Army recently released a request for proposals on behalf of the Marines for the M72 LAW Fire from Enclosure munition.