The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) has returned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, after a record-breaking 727-day deployment, UK Defence Journal reports.
The submarine, which operates under the command of Submarine Group Ten, covered extensive operations across the 5th, 6th, and 7th fleet areas, making it one of the longest deployments in recent history.
USS Florida departed from Kings Bay in August 2022 and conducted five crew swaps throughout its deployment before finally returning on 31 July 2024.
“We have demonstrated the versatility of the SSGN platform to operate anywhere at any time,” said Capt. Peter French, the 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.”
During the deployment, the submarine’s crew undertook crucial missions that enhanced national security and operational capabilities, reinforcing deterrence efforts, according to the U.S. Navy.
The deployment saw the submarine traverse over 60,000 nautical miles and make routine port calls in Greece, Guam, Diego Garcia, and the United Kingdom.
“Our Sailors are the true strength of our boat and the Navy,” remarked Master Chief Electronics Technician Submarine, Navigation Christopher L. Martell, the gold crew chief of the boat. “They consistently impress me with their unwavering dedication to the submarine force. We train and 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.”
