Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

A US Ohio-class guided-missile submarine (SSGN) arrives at the Busan Base of Operations

- The SSGN’s first port call to Korea in six years, since October 2017

USS Michigan, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine (SSGN), arrived at the Busan Base of Operations on Friday, June 16.
* SSN: nuclear-powered submarine (Los Angeles class, Virginia class, Seawolf class / used for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare),
 SSGN: nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine (Ohio class / performs strike operation missions armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles),
 SSBN: nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (Ohio class / performs strategic missions and is capable of deploying submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs))

The SSGN, with its formidable strike capabilities based on special communication systems and clandestine maneuverability, is a leading force in the US Navy. This visit marks the first port call of an SSGN submarine to Korea in six years, since October 2017.

The USS Michigan, with a length of 170.6 m, a width of 12.8 m, and a displacement tonnage of 18,000 tons, is one of the largest submarines in the world. It is equipped to deploy 150 Tomahawk missiles with a range of 2,500 km and is also capable of executing special operation missions with special warfare personnel on board.

The USS Michigan, an Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic submarine (SSBN), was commissioned in 1982. It is one of four nuclear-powered submarines that were converted into SSGN in 2007.

With this visit by the US submarine, the South Korean and US Navies aim to strengthen their special warfare capabilities and interoperability. Through combined special warfare exercises, they will prepare to address North Korea’s advanced threats.

ROK Navy Vice Adm. Kim Myung-soo, Commander Republic of Korea Fleet, stated, “The port call of the US nuclear-powered cruise guided missile submarine (SSGN) is in line with an agreement from the Washington Declaration announced in April this year. This action is intended to regularly enhance the visibility of US strategic assets, demonstrating the ROK-US Alliance’s overwhelming capability and readiness to maintain peace through strength.”

During its port call in Busan, USS Michigan will participate in various friendly exchange activities with the South Korean Navy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ROK-US Alliance.