SUBMARINE ROLES AND MISSIONS

SUBMARINE ROLES AND MISSIONS The fundamental changes in the U.S. Submarine Force since the end of the Cold War involve major shifts in submarine warfighting concepts and doctrine, from the deterrence of global war to the support of U.S. national interests in regional crises and conflicts; from a primary Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) orientation against nuclear powered submarines to taking full advantage of the modern submarine's multi-mission capabilities; from weapon loadouts of primarily MK 48 …

…will consist of 18 modern OHIO (SSBN 726) class SSBNs, each capable of carrying 24 long-range TRIDENT missiles with up to eight warheads per missile. A review of SSBN warheads is being made by the United States as part of the reduction of strategic weapons directed by the President. Still, the submarine force will provide the overwhelming majority of U.S. strategic weapons - the burden of future strategic nuclear deterrence will be squarely on the submarine force.