ABC News aired an exclusive story from the nuclear-powered submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN-737), which can carry nuclear weapons and recently arrived in the Republic of Korea
An Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarine, which is a nuclear weapons carrier, arrived in the Republic of Korea this week, docking at the port of Busan. The submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) made its first visit to the country since 1981. ABC News journalist Martha Raddatz was given exclusive access to the nuclear submarine while in the Republic of Korea.
Here's What We Know
The USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) is more than two football fields long and is one of 14 Ohio-class submarines carrying Trident II (D5) intercontinental ballistic missiles. The strategic cruiser can carry up to 20 missiles simultaneously.
The US Navy does not say whether there are nuclear weapons aboard the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737). But it is known that each Trident missile can be equipped with eight nuclear warheads. In total, Ohio submarines carry about 70 per cent of the entire US nuclear arsenal.
The deployment of these submarines is highly classified and they very rarely visit ports. The visit of the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) to Busan was part of US President Joe Biden's commitment to the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol.
The submarine's arrival on the Korean Peninsula epitomises the strong relationship between the two countries. It will give confidence to allies and strengthen deterrence against any potential threats. This was stated by Rear Admiral Chris Cavanaugh.
After the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) arrived in the Republic of Korea, North Korea's military launched two short-range ballistic missiles. In addition, the DPRK authorities said that the appearance of the Ohio-class submarine in Busan brings a nuclear conflict closer.
At the same time, Chris Cavanagh believes that Ohio-class submarines, including the USS Kentucky, prevent the possibility of a nuclear conflict. The admiral is confident in the US nuclear deterrence programme. According to him, any adversary knows that the US has a covert response capability.
It wasn't just an ABC News reporter who was able to visit the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737). On Wednesday, high-ranking Korean and U.S. military leaders as well as Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol boarded the submarine.
The head of state said the submarine's visit demonstrates the routine deployment of U.S. strategic assets and the two countries' will to defend the ability to exercise extended deterrence. The president added that North Korea cannot even dream of a nuclear provocation and has been signalled that any aggressive action will bring about the end of the regime.
On board the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) are approximately 150 sailors under the command of Lee Fike. The commander and crew are proud to serve as the Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine visits the Republic of Korea for the first time since 1981.
Daily life aboard the submarine during the month-long missions includes a lot of training. Particularly in the control centre, where the crew simulates launch procedures for Trident II (D5) intercontinental ballistic missiles. But some sailors have been able to witness the launches firsthand, and no simulation can compare to that.
The U.S. Navy did not specify how long the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) would remain in the Republic of Korea.
Source: ABC News