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USS Florida: An End and a Beginning
Story Number: NNS030708-09
Release Date: 7/8/2003 1:15:00 PM
By Chief Electronics Technician (SS) James Andrews, Commander, Submarine Forces U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- On June 27, USS Florida (SSBN 728) arrived at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for the start of a process that will change the submarine from a ballistic missile carrier into the Navy’s latest and most awesome conventional weapon, the guided-missile submarine (SSGN).
The beginning of the shipyard process capped off a 10-month period filled with activity.
In September, Florida completed her 61st and final deterrent patrol, marking the end of an era which began with her first patrol in July 1984. After offloading Trident I ballistic missiles, Florida departed for her new home in the Atlantic Ocean. Stopping along the way for port visits in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and Kings Bay, Georgia, Florida arrived at Naval Station Norfolk in December 2002.
Getting underway again in January, Florida participated in some highly successful experiments, including the launching of two Tomahawk missiles, the first ever for a Trident submarine, and a combined forces exercise called Giant Shadow, which demonstrated the feasibility of the SSGN concept.
The SSGNs will have the capability to support and launch up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, a significant increase in capacity as compared to other platforms. The 22 missile tubes will also provide the capability to carry other payloads, such as unmanned underwater vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles and special forces equipment.
This new platform will also have the capability to carry and support more than 66 Navy SEALs (Sea, Air and Land) and insert them clandestinely into potential conflict areas.
The overhaul itself has two parallel phases. One is the engineering refueling overhaul (ERO) and the other is the SSGN conversion. Florida’s S8G reactor, after more than 20 years of operation, will be getting a refueling that will be good for the remainder of the ship’s operational life.
The SSGN conversion will involve modifying the 40-foot-long Trident launch tubes to carry 154 Tomahawk or new generation cruise missiles, installing diver lock-out chambers and landing pads for dry deck shelters and advanced SEAL delivery system, and extra berthing and storage for 66 special forces personnel. In addition, the ship’s communications and sensor capabilities will be upgraded.
The ERO and conversion process is expected to be completed in April 2006.
For related news, visit the Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/sublant.
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SSGN Provides Powerful Tool for Navy SEALs - 2/7/2003
Giant Shadow Experiment Tests New SSGN Capabilities - 1/24/2003
Successful Tomahawk Launch Precursor to SSGN Conversion Testing - 1/17/2003
NAVSEA Awards SSGN Conversion Contract - 9/27/2002
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