Museum

USS Ohio

Leaps in Submarine Technology - USS Ohio (SSBN-726)

Latest addition to the Cold War arsenal for Strategic Deterrence, the Ohio-class SSBN is 576 feet long, carrying 24 D-5 missiles with multiple, independently- targeted, re-entry vehicle warheads that is the central feature of the Strategic Shield for the United States and the West.

Employing the most up-to-date technology for weapons, sensors, communications, construction, habitability, this submarine is more quiet than the ocean that surrounds it. The submarine uses its stealth to remain "undetected and ready" in the oceans of the world, hiding and awaiting a message it hopes will never come.

It uses its sensors and equipment with maximum redundancy. Its weapons systems achieve unbelievable accuracy at the far reaches of the envelope-with targets thousands of miles away. As the sophistication of the platform has grown, so has the sensor technology seeking this submarine- in a modern version of "cat and mouse". This submarine is ready to meet the challenge.

With the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks II (START II), the number of Strategic Submarine platforms was reduced from 18 to 14. In 2005, four Ohio Class submarines were converted to support Special Warfare. All D-5 missiles and supporting equipment were removed and the submarines were re-configured to support Tomahawk Cruise missiles and Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Units. Two special warfare submarines will be assigned to each coast but the submarines are capable of world-wide missions.

Secrets of the Sub

Hawaii Themed Submarines

USS Kamehameha (SSBN-642) was launched on 16 January 1965 and commissioned on 10 December 1965. This submarine holds the name for King Kamehameha the Great. It is fitting that one of our submarines bear the name of this striking figure in Hawaiian history. His people were intrepid seafarers and knowledge of stars, winds and currents still arouse wonder and admiration. For much of USS Kamehameha's service, she was based in Rota, Spain conducting deterrence patrols during the Cold War. Commissioning gifts to the submarine are on display at the museum.

USS Honolulu

USS Honolulu (SSN-718), a Los Angeles-class submarine, was the third ship of the United States to be named for Honolulu, Hawaii. She was launched on 24 September 1983 and commissioned on 6 July 1985. Honolulu’s patrols are commemorated by ten surfboards signed by the crews aboard her at the time. One of the four surfboards held at Bowfin Park is on display in the museum.

USS Hawaii

The USS Hawaii (SSN 776) is the first commissioned vessel of its name. Launched June 17, 2006 and Commissioned May 5, 2007 she is fortunate to be homeported in her namesake state. The submarine was named to recognize the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people and state of Hawaii, and in honor of the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific.

Hawaii is the third of the Virginia Class submarines. The Virginia-class of attack submarines surpasses the performance of any current projected threat submarine, ensuring U.S. undersea dominance well into the next century.

Bowfin Museum collections include models of all three submarines.