Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines to Key Regions Amid Tensions

US President Donald Trump announced on March 15, 2024, that he has ordered two US Navy nuclear submarines to be deployed to “appropriate regions” in response to remarks made by Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia and current deputy chairman of its Security Council. In a post on Truth Social, Trump characterized the move as a precautionary measure, stating that he had directed the submarines to be positioned “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”

The specifics of which submarines are being relocated and their exact destinations remain undisclosed. The Pentagon typically maintains a level of secrecy regarding the movements of its submarines. The US Navy’s fleet includes three types of nuclear-powered submarines, with only one class armed with nuclear weapons.

Overview of the US Submarine Fleet

The backbone of the US submarine fleet consists of various classes, each serving distinct strategic purposes.

Ballistic-Missile Submarines
The US Navy operates 14 Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs), commonly known as “boomers.” These vessels are engineered for stealth and are equipped for the precise delivery of nuclear warheads. Each Ohio-class submarine can carry 20 Trident ballistic missiles, each capable of multiple nuclear warheads. Notably, Trident missiles have a range of up to 4,600 miles (7,400 kilometers), allowing them to target areas globally without needing to approach enemy shores. Their design ensures they can withstand an adversary’s initial strike, serving as a critical nuclear deterrent. With a length of 560 feet (170 meters), they displace nearly 19,000 tons while accommodating a crew of 159 personnel. These submarines can reach speeds of 23 miles per hour.

Guided-Missile Submarines
In the 1990s, the Pentagon re-evaluated the need for the Ohio-class submarines in their traditional nuclear deterrent role, leading to the conversion of four into guided-missile submarines (SSGNs). These SSGNs retain the characteristics of their predecessors but instead carry Tomahawk cruise missiles. Each SSGN can transport 154 Tomahawk missiles, each with a high-explosive warhead weighing up to 1,000 pounds and a range of approximately 1,000 miles. Additionally, these submarines can deploy troops through specialized lockout chambers. While the movements of SSGNs are also classified, the Navy has occasionally acknowledged their presence in strategic locations to reinforce deterrence.

Fast-Attack Submarines

The majority of the US Navy’s submarine fleet comprises fast-attack submarines, designed primarily to hunt and destroy enemy vessels. These submarines can also engage land-based targets using Tomahawk missiles, albeit in smaller quantities than their SSGN counterparts.

There are three main classes of fast-attack submarines: the Virginia, Los Angeles, and Seawolf classes. The Virginia class is the newest, with 23 submarines commissioned as of July 1, 2023. These vessels range from 377 to 461 feet in length and can displace up to 10,200 tons, accommodating a crew of 145.

The Los Angeles class, the oldest of the Navy’s fast-attack submarines, features 23 vessels still in operation. Each measures 360 feet and displaces 6,900 tons, with a crew of 143. The smallest class, the Seawolf, includes two submarines, the USS Seawolf and USS Connecticut, both measuring 353 feet and displacing 9,100 tons. The third Seawolf-class submarine, the USS Jimmy Carter, is unique with an extended hull designed for advanced technology, classified research, and enhanced combat capabilities.

The decision to reposition nuclear submarines underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions. As nations navigate their military postures and strategic communications, developments such as this remain a focal point for defense analysts and international relations experts. The deployment of submarines not only serves as a tactical maneuver but also sends a significant message regarding the United States’ commitment to maintaining its defense strategies in the face of potential threats.