U.S. Navy Ships Carrying Tomahawk Missiles: An Insight

Overview of Tomahawk-armed U.S. Navy Ships

The U.S. Navy has a robust fleet of ships capable of launching the versatile

Thomahawk missile. This article covers the current and historic fleet of ships that can carry and launch these precision-guided weapons.

Which Ships Have Tomahawk Missiles?

The U.S. Navy maintains a diverse fleet of ships that are capable of carrying and launching Tomahawk missiles. Currently, the primary platforms include:

Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers

The Arleigh Burke class destroyers are among the most advanced warships in the U.S. Navy. These destroyers are equipped with VLS (Vertical Launching System) units that are capable of deploying Tomahawk missiles. The VLS is a modular launch system that can accommodate a variety of missile types, including Tomahawks.

Ticonderoga Class Cruisers

Members of the Ticonderoga class, such as the Chester W. Nimitz and John S. McCain, are also fitted with VLS systems, allowing them to carry and launch Tomahawk missiles. These cruisers are well-suited for both surface warfare and anti-submarine combat, making them ideal for a wide range of missions.

Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines: Ohio Class

The Ohio class submarines, officially referred to as Ssgn (Submarine Specially Configured to mission roles), are designed to carry a significant number of Tomahawk missiles. These submarines were initially built to carry nuclear missiles but have since been converted to carry conventional Tomahawk missiles. This conversion made them highly versatile and capable of performing a variety of missions, such as anti-surface warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence gathering.

Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines: SSGN Class

The Ssgn class represents a specialized and highly advanced platform for carrying and launching Tomahawk missiles. These submarines are equipped with Mk-143 box launchers specifically designed to accommodate the varying configurations of Tomahawk missiles. The Ssgn class is capable of sustaining long-range operations and providing sustained maritime strike capabilities.

Virginia Class Submarines

More recently, the Virginia class submarines have also been equipped with VLS systems, allowing them to carry and launch Tomahawk missiles. While not as numerous as the Ohio class conversions, the Virginia class submarines represent a modern, multi-purpose platform in the U.S. Navy.

Which U.S. Ships Can Carry Tomahawk Missiles?

Any U.S. ship with a VLS fielded is capable of carrying and launching Tomahawk missiles. This includes the aforementioned classes as well as some specially modified ships. The Mk-41 VLS is the primary system used by surface ships, while the SSGN class and Mk-143 box launchers are used by submarines.

The availability of Tomahawk missiles on these ships ranges widely. For instance, while Arleigh Burke class destroyers and Ticonderoga class cruisers are frequently assigned to battle groups as escort vessels, they retain the capability to launch Tomahawk missiles if needed. The Ohio class Ssgn can carry a robust inventory of Tomahawk missiles, while the Virginia class submarines, though not as numerous, are also equipped to carry these weapons.

Conclusion

Maintaining a robust fleet of ships capable of deploying Tomahawk missiles is a strategic priority for the U.S. Navy. This capability provides the fleet with significant strike and standoff combat power, enhancing overall operational flexibility and effectiveness. While specifics on exact numbers and allocations are classified, the U.S. Navy has developed a versatile and sophisticated network of ships to ensure the continued readiness and effectiveness of its forces.

Related Keywords: Tomahawk missiles, U.S. Navy ships, Vertical Launching System