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USS Georgia returns from last strategic deterrent patrol

COMSUBPAC

Release Date: 10/30/2003

By JOSN Adam Vernon Subase Bangor Public Affairs

Bangor, WA -- After 18 years of faithful service to the submarine fleet, USS Georgia (SSBN 729) returned to Naval Submarine Base Bangor from her last strategic deterrent patrol marking the end of its career as a Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine (SSBN) on Oct. 30. Since her first strategic deterrent patrol in 1985, USS GEORGIA has performed her mission of strategic deterrence by completing 65 patrols.

"This is a bittersweet time for the crew of USS Georgia as we bring to an end an era as a SSBN," explained Cmdr. John Tammen, commanding officer of USS Georgia upon her return to port. "We are happy to be back home in Bangor after a successful patrol But after today, we embark on another type of journey, as the submarine begins a new life as a guided missile submarine (SSGN)."

The final journey for USS Georgia as an SSBN was a memorable event for not only the crew, but the submarine's namesake Georgia State Navy League and Employers in Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as well.

"We all readily agreed to be here for this," explained Brig. Gen. William Wigley, (USA retired), who was part of the group of 20 Georgians to travel across the country to be on hand for this event. "We feel an alliance with the submarine since we are members of the sub's namesake Navy League and ESGR and since this was the last opportunity to visit her as a SSBN. It was a rare treat."

For the visitors on board, it was the crew that made their trip a memorable one. "The best part of this whole visit was without exception the people on board we met and spoke with," said Jim Redmond, State Chairperson for the Georgia State ESGR. "The Sailors enthusiasm for what they do and their knowledge was so impressive."

After USS Georgia was moored pierside, Commander, Submarine Group Nine, Rear Adm. Mel Williams, Jr., congratulated the crew for the successful completion of the 65th and last strategic deterrent patrol. "The Georgia team successfully executed the strategic deterrence mission for our nation, while demonstrating the operational capability, endurance and stealth of our submarines. The commanding officer can be justifiably proud of his crew's efforts."

The submarine is one of four Ohio-class submarines (including USS Ohio, USS Florida, and USS Michigan) being converted from SSBNs to SSGNs. The mission capabilities of the guided missile submarines (SSGN) include strike, special operations forces insertion, and support for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. These platforms will carry a payload of up to 154 Tomahawk land attack missiles, and have the additional multi-mission capabilities of anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and mine warfare and information operations.

USS Georgia is the fourth of the original 18 Ohio-class of submarines and the third ship to bear the name of the state of Georgia.