This photo was taken of USS OHIO as she came out of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for sea-trials. Note how the deck superstructure beginning at the aft end of the sail changes shape. This is to accommodate dry deck shelters/SDV and ASDS. The hull is approximately 8-10 feet wider than an SSBN. Also note the white markings around the forward hatch. These markings are used to assist a rescue vehicle such as the DSRV to mate in the event the boat ended up on the bottom. These markings are only applied during sea trials and will be painted black once she returns to port. Another thing you can see is the tonal difference between the hull , the non-skid area where the Sailors would walk on deck and the hull at the waterline. The underhull is painted hull red.
I had to resize the photo to fit,. A much more detailed image is in my gallery.
Someday, I will get around to finishing my DML OHIO in this configuration!
v/r,
Rob
