The USS Florida, a formidable nuclear submarine in the U.S. Navy, has returned home after an impressive 727-day deployment that spanned the globe, tackling threats from Russia, China, and Iran. On Wednesday, the submarine docked at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, having covered over 60,000 nautical miles since its departure in August 2022.
Weighing in at 18,750 tons, the Ohio-class guided missile submarine was originally designed to carry nuclear missiles. However, it was converted to support conventional operations after undergoing a refueling and conversion completed in 2006.
Armed with Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, the Florida can launch up to 154 missiles, capable of reaching targets over 1,000 miles away. Additionally, this submarine supports special operations by accommodating up to 66 personnel and their equipment, thanks to modifications to two missile tubes for personnel insertion and retrieval.
Throughout its deployment, the Florida conducted crucial missions around the world, operating in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets, which span the Middle East, Europe, and the Western Pacific. Captain Peter French, commanding officer of the Blue crew, praised the submarine’s adaptability, stating, “We have demonstrated the versatility of SSGN [guided missile submarine] platform to operate anywhere at any time.” The Blue and Gold crews work in tandem, allowing for continuous operation and enhanced training opportunities.
With five crew changes during its mission, the two-crew system has proven efficient, increasing submarine availability while supporting crew morale. Although it’s rare for an East Coast submarine to traverse to the West Coast, the Florida successfully fulfilled its operational goals, which were crucial for national security.
This latest mission is not a record; the vessel previously completed a deployment exceeding 800 days back in 2020, covering almost 100,000 miles. Initially, it operated primarily in European waters, even during significant geopolitical tensions such as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In early 2023, the Florida conducted operations in the Red Sea, launching Tomahawk missiles targeting Houthi rebels amid rising regional tensions. Recent stops included Guam for maintenance and rearmament, reflecting its role as a strategic military asset in the Pacific, especially with the increasing assertiveness from China and North Korea.
As the crew concludes this chapter, they will now take a well-deserved break, as highlighted by Gold crew chief Christopher L. Martell.