Air Force special operations forces from the 22nd and 23rd Special Tactics Squadrons fast rope onto the deck of USS Alabama (SSBN 731) in the Pacific Ocean during a recent exercise to test special operations infiltration and rescue tactics. The joint effort also tests the capabilities of the SSGN class submarines entering service next year. The SSGN class submarines are being converted from ballistic missile submarines to guided missile submarines with new capabilities. US Navy photo by FTCM (SS) Daniel J. Niclas

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USS Ohio (SSBN 726) heads for its new homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. Ohio is one of four Ohio-class submarines on the list to be converted to a conventional-weapons SSGN. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class B. L. Keller.

The SSGNs will have the capability to support and launch up to 154 Tomahawk missiles.

Four Ohio-class strategic missile submarines, USS Ohio (SSBN 726), USS Michigan (SSBN 727) USS Florida (SSBN 728), and USS Georgia (SSBN 729) have been selected for transformation into a new platform, designated SSGN.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Wash. (Aug. 14, 2003) -- USS Ohio (SSGN 726) is in dry dock undergoing a conversion from a Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) to a Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN) designation. Ohio has been out of service since Oct. 29, 2002 for conversion to SSGN at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Four Ohio-class strategic missile submarines, USS Ohio (SSBN 726), USS Michigan (SSBN 727) USS Florida (SSBN 728), and USS Georgia (SSBN 729) have been selected for transformation into a new platform, designated SSGN. The SSGNs will have the capability to support and launch up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, a significant increase in capacity compared to other platforms. The 22 missile tubes also will provide the capability to carry other payloads, such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Special Forces equipment. This new platform will also have the capability to carry and support more than 66 Navy SEALs (Sea, Air and Land) and insert them clandestinely into potential conflict areas. U.S. Navy file photo. (RELEASED)

SSN775 TEXAS moving into floating dry-dock prior to launching 4/7/2005. Photo by: Chris Oxley, Northrop Grumman Newport News