Would a ballistic-missile submarine be an effective ship for a diplomatic visit or show-the-flag mission?
Short answerNo. Revealing an SSBN's position compromises the concealment central to its mission; a carrier or amphibious group can signal power more appropriately.
NotesThe exchange begins with the Anglo-American politics surrounding Polaris and a proposal for an American officer to veto British missile launches. Britain instead obtained Polaris for submarines under British control. A novel's idea of using a ballistic-missile submarine for an ordinary diplomatic port visit is then rejected. An SSBN depends on concealment and secure access to the open sea, so announcing its position works against its strategic purpose. A carrier group, LHD, or LPD can make a large visible statement while retaining the ability to operate openly. Visible surface and amphibious forces suit public presence, while an SSBN's deterrent value depends on remaining hidden.