U.S. Guided-missile Sub Makes Rare Appearance in the Philippines

USS Ohio (SSGN-726), a U.S. Navy submarine, was assisted by tugboats on its approach to Rivera Pier. The vessel is scheduled to berth alongside the USS Frank Cable (AS-40) for a port visit. (SBNphoto by Vittorio V Vizcocho V)

A U.S. Navy guided-missile submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles arrived for a port visit to the Philippines last week during its Pacific patrol, the sea service confirmed.
USS Ohio (SSGN-726) arrived Sept. 23 at the former U.S. naval base at Subic Bay and moored alongside submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS-40), according to photos from U.S. 7th Fleet.
Ohio is one four U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarines that were retrofitted to carry the long-range Tomahawk missiles. The boats can deploy for up to two years at a time alternating between two crews that swap every few months. Last year, USS Florida (SSGN-728) returned from a 727-day deployment. USS Georgia (SSBN-729) deployed in September last year and is believed to be operating in U.S. Central Command. Georgia was part of the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iran nuclear sites in June.
The Navy is intentional about announcing a region where an SSGN is operating as a signal of U.S. military power.
The revelation Ohio is operating in the South China Sea follows the sea trials of the Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian and the first public launching and landing tests with People’s Liberation Army Navy naval aircraft.
Over the last several months, the U.S. has publicly operated more closely with the Philippines while investing more in the country’s military infrastructure and an expanded U.S. Navy presence at Subic Bay, USNI News has previously reported.
Earlier this year, Ohio traveled to Australia, where it was maintained by Frank Cable for a voyage repair. (USNI News)