USS Florida Triumphantly Returns to Kings Bay After Epic 727-Day Deployment

“We have demonstrated the versatility of the SSGN platform to operate anywhere at any time,” stated Capt. Peter French, blue crew commanding officer. “We operated in several different oceans. It’s very uncommon for East Coast submarines to deploy to the west coast, but we managed to do an exceptional job completing the mission.”

Throughout their deployment, the crews executed vital missions crucial to national security. They enhanced operational capabilities and reinforced deterrence efforts while covering more than 60,000 nautical miles. Additionally, the crews made routine port calls in Greece, Guam, Diego Garcia, and the United Kingdom.

“Our Sailors are the true strength for our boat and the Navy,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician Submarine, Navigation Christopher L. Martell, gold crew chief of the boat. “They consistently impress me with their unwavering dedication to the submarine force. We train and we fight as a family, and I’m excited to get the crews back home to their actual families and enjoy some much-needed time off.”

USS Florida entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard in July 2003 for a refueling and conversion from an SSBN to an SSGN. The conversion concluded in April 2006, and the submarine has been homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, since then. On May 25, 2006, a return to service ceremony was held at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

Submarine Group Ten stands as the nation’s leading provider of sea-based strategic deterrence, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile strikes, and unique submarine-based special operations capabilities. The base hosts all East Coast Ohio-class submarines.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit their [official site](https://www.navy.mil).