The USS Maine, an Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine, was spotted transiting Puget Sound near Seattle in March 2025. Recently, the Navy conducted four scheduled test launches of unarmed Trident II D5 missiles from an Ohio-class submarine off Florida's east coast.
Some observers viewed the timing as a subtle signal towards Beijing's buildup, while the Navy described the flights as "routine reliability tests." Both perspectives are likely valid, highlighting the importance of a well-maintained and ready fleet for effective deterrence.
Deterrence only works when our fleet is well maintained and ready to deploy on demand.
America's nuclear deterrent relies on submarines, with the Ohio-class ballistic missile fleet being the backbone of the nuclear triad. These submarines are designed to remain hidden beneath the oceans, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Predictive AI is necessary for submarine readiness to ensure the fleet's ability to deploy on demand.
Author's summary: Submarine readiness is crucial for effective deterrence.