USS Oregon (SSN-793)

USS Oregon (SSN-793): Comprehensive Technical Profile

USS Oregon (SSN-793) is a Block IV Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine commissioned on 28 May 2022 at Naval Submarine Base New London. She is the fourth vessel to bear the name Oregon, representing a state-of-the-art undersea combat platform.

Development and Construction

Naming and Keel Laying

The name Oregon was announced on 10 October 2014 at the Battleship Oregon Memorial in Portland. Her keel was laid on 8 July 2017 at General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility, marking the start of construction under the Block IV build plan.

Christening and Commissioning

Oregon was christened on 5 October 2019, launched on 25 June 2020, and delivered to the Navy on 26 February 2022. After final trials, she entered active service upon commissioning on 28 May 2022.

Hull and Structural Design

Block IV Innovations

Block IV boats incorporate design changes to reduce total ownership cost and increase operational availability by cutting planned depot maintenance availabilities from four to three. These modifications extend deployment cycles and improve lifecycle readiness.

Dimensions and Displacement

Propulsion and Performance

Nuclear Reactor and Power Plant

Oregon is powered by a single S9G pressurized-water reactor using highly enriched uranium. Steam from the reactor drives two steam turbines rated at 40,000 shp each, all transmitted through a pump-jet propulsor. A secondary propulsion motor enables ultra-quiet low-speed operations.

Speed, Range and Depth

• Maximum submerged speed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
• Endurance: essentially unlimited reactor-limited core life (33 years)
• Submerged patrol duration: up to 3 months (food-limited)
• Test depth: > 800 ft (244 m)

Armament and Combat Systems

Vertical Launch System

Oregon carries 12 vertical launch system tubes configured for BGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. Tubes employ gas ejection for submerged launch and can be reprogrammed for future payloads.

Torpedo Tubes and Special Operations

Four 21-inch (533 mm) bow torpedo tubes fire Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes. Dry-deck shelter and lock-out chambers support covert deployment of special-operations forces and unmanned undersea vehicles.

Sensors and Combat Control

• Bow-mounted spherical active/passive sonar array
• TB-29A towed array for long-range acoustic detection
• High-frequency sonar for mine avoidance
• Photonic masts with high-resolution EO/IR cameras
• AN/BYG-1 integrated combat control system fusing sonar, ESM and tactical data links

Crew and Habitability

Oregon operates with a complement of 15 officers and 120 enlisted sailors. Habitability features include LED lighting simulating diurnal cycles, advanced air-and-water-reclamation systems, and improved berthing modules. Automation in machinery control and predictive-maintenance analytics reduces watchstanding burdens and enhances crew endurance.

Operational Role and Missions

Oregon is designed for a wide range of missions:

• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
• Anti-surface warfare (ASuW)
• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
• Strike warfare with Tomahawk missiles
• Special-operations support
• Mine warfare, including delivery and countermeasures

Future Upgrades and Strategic Impact

Ongoing upgrades include enhanced data-link security, improved periscope-mast sensors and potential integration of unmanned undersea systems. Block IV’s longer deployment cycles and lowered maintenance demands bolster the submarine force’s forward presence and undersea deterrence posture.

Technical Specifications Summary