On April 13, 2017 Submarine Matters published an article, US & Japanese ABM - BMD forces slowly approaching North Korea, which stated:
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"Submarine-wise one SSN or two (with Tomahawk land attack missiles) would normally accompany the Carl Vinson Group. To enhance the option of a first or second strike of Tomahawk SLCMs onto NK targets a US Ohio SSGN might also be on hand in the region. Submarine fired Tomahawks all have the advantage of a greater element of surprise because they can emerge from unexpected undersea launch points."
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This suspicion was confirmed 11 days later on April 24-25, 2017 when Fox News reported:
"The USS Michigan, a nuclear powered Ohio class submarine will pull into the South Korean port of Busan for a hull check in the coming hours, military sources confirmed Monday to Fox News...The USS Michigan is one of four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines, originally designed to launch nuclear missiles, that were converted between 2003 and 2007 to be able to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles....The USS Florida (SSGN 728) was converted in August 2003, the USS Michigan (SSGN 727) in October 2004, the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) in December 2005, and the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) in December 2007."
A US Ohio class SSGN is very large (around 17,000 tons (surfaced) and 19,000 tons (submerged)). Its size can be judged from how small the crew look standing on the hull.
Can astute readers spot the (non-Asia Pacific) location?
Can astute readers spot the (non-Asia Pacific) location?
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Pete