Last modified Wed., April 02, 2008 - 04:42 PM
Originally created Thursday, April 3, 2008

USS Georgia returns to service

By MC2(AW/NAC) Will Tonacchio, Periscope Staff

Members of the USS Georgia crew salute the audience in attendence at the Georgia's return to service ceremony to symbolize the acceptance of their mission on NSB Kings Bay. Photo by MCSN Kenneth Abbate

The last of four Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) converted to Guided Missile Submarines (SSGNs) was brought back to life March 28 with five words from the USS Georgia's Return to Service Chairperson Sheila McNeil who said, "Bring the boat to life!" With those words, the crew of the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) manned their watch stations and prepared for the new role that the SSGNs will fill in today's Navy.

The return to service ceremony was held at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay's Warrior Wharf, with more than 2,000 spectators, including high-ranking military officials and many Georgia state dignitaries, in attendance. Most notably, Georgia's Governor Sonny Perdue spoke about what it was like to welcome Georgia's namesake vessel home.

"Awesome," he exclaimed. "It was an awesome experience to go out on an SSGN. I knew that I was in for the experience of a lifetime. While onboard, I received a comprehensive briefing by the captain about what the differences are between an SSBN and an SSGN submarine. I quickly learned how important this transformation was for our naval fleet and our maritime strategies," continued Perdue. "The Sailors of the USS Georgia are true patriots and we are confident that the leadership of Capt. Brian McIlvaine and Capt. Michael Brown will make us proud."

The newly recommissioned submarine is scheduled to deploy on her first mission in early 2009. Vice Adm. John Donnelly, commander of Naval Submarine Forces, believes that the submarine force is built upon a strong legacy of selecting and training the best Sailors, building and maintaining the best ships, and equipping those ships with the latest technology and the most advanced equipment.

"Today, the USS Georgia will add to that legacy," said Donnelly. "She will join her sister ships, the USS Ohio, USS Florida and USS Michigan to provide a huge leap forward in capabilities to accomplish new missions in a new world. Soon the USS Georgia will deliver the stealth, persistence and flexibility that are in high demand by our combat commanders. In support of our nation's maritime strategy, the crew of the USS Georgia stands poised to join that effort."

When Capt. Brian McLlvaine, commanding officer of the USS Georgia, took command of the USS Ohio in 2001, the fate of the first four SSBNs were still in doubt. Even though the SSBN mission was still important, it was decided that the mission could be done with 14 SSBNs instead of 18. The first four SSBNs were obvious targets due to meeting their projected half-life and in need of fuel overhauls.

"Through the hard work of our political leadership, including Navy and Submarine Force leadership and the Navy league, we were able to successfully orchestrate the transformation of the ship you see exemplified by the USS Georgia here today," said McIlvaine. "The USS Georgia is different from her SSBN sisters. Her weapon systems and the capability to support global warfare is impressive and her crew is ready for that new challenge here in Georgia."

In his closing remarks, Governor Perdue said, "On behalf of the 9.5 million Georgians in this state, welcome home!"