US submarine carrying 'war messenger' missiles approaches Iran

The USS Florida submarine carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles was deployed to the Persian Gulf to deter Iran, according to unnamed US officials.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States deployed the nuclear-powered submarine USS Florida to the Persian Gulf on Thursday to show off its power and deter Iran, anonymous U.S. officials said, marking the first time the U.S. has revealed the submarine’s name, location and mission.

The news came after the US military announced that an Ohio-class nuclear submarine had been deployed to the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of ​​operations, but did not provide details. CENTCOM is responsible for US combat operations in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and Israeli territory.

A US submarine passes under the Al Salam Bridge northeast of Cairo, Egypt on November 5. Photo: CENTCOM

The activities and routes of nuclear submarines are always kept secret by the US, because they need to be as hidden as possible to maintain deterrence and be ready to launch a preemptive strike against the enemy. The location and images of submarines are only released by the US on rare occasions, when regional and international tensions escalate.

The USS Florida is an Ohio-class nuclear submarine, the largest submarine in the history of the US Navy with a displacement of 18,750 tons when submerged and a length of 175 m. A total of 18 Ohio-class submarines were built between 1976 and 1997, each carrying 24 Trident ballistic missiles and worth nearly $3 billion today.

The USS Florida was converted by the US in 2003, removing its ballistic missiles and replacing them with Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. It carries 154 Tomahawks in 22 launch tubes, more than a squadron of surface ships. All of these missiles can be launched in a salvo from underwater within 6 minutes.

Location of the Persian Gulf and Iran. Graphic: CSIS

Tomahawks are often called "war messengers" because they are often fired by the US to preemptively strike the enemy in many wars, from the Gulf War to the present. This missile costs 1.5 million USD/shot, is equipped with a 454 kg warhead, has a range of about 1,600 km, and is guided by the global positioning system (GPS).

Converted Ohio-class submarines like the USS Florida can also carry 66 Navy SEALs and are equipped with a hatch behind the conning tower, allowing them to secretly deploy while the submarine is submerged.

Vu Anh (According to Times of India )

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