Submarine readiness is crucial, and the integration of predictive AI is necessary. The USS Maine, an Ohio-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine, was recently spotted transiting Puget Sound near Seattle.
Last month, the Navy conducted four scheduled test launches of unarmed Trident II D5 missiles from an Ohio-class submarine off Florida's east coast. The timing of these launches was seen as a signal to Beijing's buildup by some observers, while the Navy referred to them as "routine reliability tests."
Both are likely true, and underscore a very important point: 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 and be ready to strike at a moment's notice.
In June, the Ohio-class USS Tennessee surfaced in the Norwegian Sea, demonstrating the effectiveness of these submarines.
Author's summary: Submarine readiness is key to America's nuclear deterrent.