About Submarine Group 9

Strategic deterrence is the act of deterring a nuclear attack with a safe, secure, effective nuclear deterrent force. Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are considered the survivable leg of the strategic deterrent triad, the others being long-range manned aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles. Ohio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform.

Upon the arrival of the first SSBN, USS Ohio (SSBN 726), in Bangor, WA, Commander, Submarine Group 9 was commissioned on July 1, 1981. Originally, the first eight submarines in the Ohio Class were stationed here.

Subordinate to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, COMSUBGRU NINE exercises administrative control authority for assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest. The Group Commander provides oversight for shipboard training, personnel, supply and material readiness of SSBNs and their crews. The Group Commander is also responsible for nuclear submarines undergoing conversion or overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. As Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Representative, COMSUBGRU NINE coordinates all submarine matters in the Pacific Northwest.

Beginning in 2002, COMSUBGRU NINE oversaw the overhaul and conversion of the first two SSBNs, USS Ohio (SSBN 726) and USS Michigan (SSBN 727) to guided missile submarines. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, SSGNs are capable of directly supporting Combatant Commander's strike and Special Operation Forces (SOF) requirements. USS Ohio (SSGN 726) returned to service and deployed in October 2007. USS Michigan (SSGN 727) returned to service in 2007 and deployed in 2008.

COMSUBGRU NINE subordinate commands include Submarine Readiness Squadron 31, Submarine Squadrons 17 and 19 and eight SSBNs and 2 SSGNs, homeported in the Pacific Northwest.

On February 26, 2009, COMSUBGRU NINE celebrated the 1,000th Ohio Class SSBN Strategic Deterrent Patrol.