The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has been further complicated with the recent arrival of one of the US Navy’s largest submarines, an Ohio-class vessel, in the region. This move, confirmed by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), has escalated tensions in an already volatile area.
The Ohio-class submarine is not just any naval vessel. It is a class of nuclear-powered submarines operated by the United States Navy. These submarines are the largest ever built by the U.S. Navy, measuring 560 feet long and 42 feet wide, and displacing 18,750 tons when submerged.
How in the hell were these people able to get within spitting distance of a US Navy ship much less on it? https://t.co/gTvpd1u8xj
— Brandon Hannibal Donkey (@BrandonDonkey2) November 4, 2023
This particular class of submarine was designed for extended strategic deterrent patrols. The primary goal of these patrols is to dissuade adversaries from launching a nuclear attack. This is achieved through the submarine’s ability to carry twenty-four submarine-launched ballistic missiles that can destroy fourteen separate targets each with near pinpoint accuracy from 7,000 miles away.
In addition to its strategic deterrence role, the Ohio-class submarine also has other capabilities. It can covertly insert Special Operations Forces, conduct spying operations, and sink ships and other submarines. These features make it a formidable force in any military confrontation.
PNS BADR (D-184) steams alongside the US Navy (USN) Amphibious Assault Ship USS TARAWA (LHA 1) in the Northern Persian Gulf. pic.twitter.com/hmsQ6cXjdy
— Umair Aslam (@Defense785) November 6, 2023
The CENTCOM’s area of responsibility includes 21 countries, stretching from Northeast Africa across the Middle East to Central and South Asia. This vast region spans over 4 million square miles, making the presence of such a powerful submarine significant.
The 14 Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines carry about half of the United States’ active strategic thermonuclear warheads. These weapons have the potential to erase a country from the map, underscoring the seriousness of this development.
Despite the escalating tensions, the Biden administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the arrival of the Ohio-class submarine in the Middle East. This silence raises questions about the administration’s strategy and intentions in the region.
The arrival of the Ohio-class submarine in the Middle East is a clear demonstration of the United States’ military might. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential consequences of any miscalculations.
In conclusion, while the presence of the Ohio-class submarine in the Middle East undoubtedly strengthens the United States’ strategic position, it also adds another layer of complexity to an already tense geopolitical situation. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the dynamics in the region moving forward.
