US Navy sends nuclear-powered submarine USS Florida, which can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, to the Middle East

The US Navy sent the submarine USS Florida (SSGN-728) to the Middle East this week. The Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the region on 6 April and began sailing through the Suez Canal.

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USS Florida (SSGN-728) will support the work of the US Fifth Fleet. A US Navy spokesman recalled that the submarine is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. They are divided into seven groups of 22 each.

USS Florida (SSGN-728) became one of four Ohio class submarines that were deprived of the capability to carry Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads and maximum launch range of over 11,000 km.

The conversion of the missile cruiser began in mid-2003 and lasted until April 2006. One month later, the submarine returned to service with the US Navy. The submarines USS Ohio (SSGN-726), USS Michigan (SSGN-727) and USS Georgia (SSGN-729) carry Tomahawk cruise missiles instead of Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles.

Source: Reuters