Key Points and Summary: The USS Florida (SSGN-728), an Ohio-class guided missile submarine, completed a historic 727-day deployment in July 2024, covering 60,000 miles across multiple fleet areas.
-As one of the Navy’s oldest submarines, Florida demonstrated the versatility of SSGN platforms, conducting critical national security missions while sending clear signals to adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran.
-Originally commissioned as a ballistic missile submarine in 1983, Florida was converted to carry 154 Tomahawk missiles and deploy special forces. This could mark Florida’s final mission, as the Navy plans to retire its remaining SSGNs by 2028, ushering in the next era of undersea dominance.
Ohio-Class Submarine, USS Florida’s 727 Day Deployment
The USS Florida (SSGN-728), an Ohio-class guided missile submarine, completed a marathon patrol of 727 days at sea that was completed in July 2024.
She covered over 60,000 miles worldwide during her deployment to the 5th, 6th, and 7th fleet areas of operations on July 31.
Assigned to Commander, Submarine Group Ten, USS Florida departed in August 2022 and conducted five crew swaps before returning to Kings Bay.
The USS Florida is one of the oldest submarines in the US submarine fleet. During her long deployment, the boat operated in multiple oceans, “conducted vital missions critical to national security,” and observed the maritime movements around China, Russia, and Iran.
USS Florida’s History
The USS Florida was launched in 1981 and commissioned in 1983.
She was initially commissioned as a ballistic missile submarine with the designation (SSBN-728). In 2003, due to the SALT agreements, the Florida was converted to a guided-missile submarine, earning the designation SSGN-728.
The submarine completed its conversion in 2006.
Since its conversion, the Florida can carry 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and torpedoes and can carry up to 66 Special Operations troops, mainly Navy SEAL teams or Army Green Berets.
The USS Florida played a primary role in Operation Odyssey Dawn, the attack on Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya during the Obama administration.
It was one of several warships that hit several targets of opportunity in Libya at that time. During this time, the USS Florida also deployed US Special Forces operators into Libya.
While most SSGN subs are kept secret, the Navy has used the USS Florida a few times in high-profile missions to send a message to our adversaries.
In 2023, she surfaced in the Suez Canal on a deployment to the Middle East and then again later that year in Norway. The meaning of those surfaces and where they were conducted got Iran and Russia’s attention.
Ohio-Class USS Florida’s Long Mission
Florida’s two-year mission was not an easy one, traversing the globe.
Still, it was a testament to the professionalism of the officers and sailors aboard that it was a very successful one.
“We have demonstrated the versatility of the SSGN platform to operate anywhere at any time,” said 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.”
“I can tell you from the operations we did out there, we developed lots of lessons learned and passed on several very long messages detailing all the things that we learned from what we did,” French added.
“Our sailors are the true strength of 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 fight as a family, and I’m excited to get the crews back home to the actual families and enjoy some much-needed time off.”

The guided missile submarine Florida (SSGN-728) makes her way through Cumberland Sound to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, 11 April 2006. Florida will be officially welcomed to her new home in Kings Bay with a return to service ceremony scheduled for May 25, 2006 in Mayport, Fla. Ohio-Class
What’s Next For the US Submarine Fleet?
The extended 727-day mission was planned to send a message to our adversaries that the US can operate anywhere, anytime we want.
The Chinese Navy is building a massive fleet of ships, especially submarines.
Currently, the US Navy has a fleet of 71 submarines, broken down into three categories: attack (53), ballistic missile (14), and guided missile (4). All of these vessels are nuclear-powered, but only the 14 Ohio-class subs carry nuclear warheads due to the SALT treaty. Coincidentally, the Chinese are not signees of the treaty and aren’t under any constrictions that the US and Russia are.
If the US can improve the shipyards’ operating conditions, it should plan to add more fast-attack submarines shortly.
Swan Song For the USS Florida?
The four converted SSGNs of the Ohio-class, the oldest of the series, are the USS Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Georgia.
They were refitted into their new configuration from the early 2000s onwards. From 2031, the 14 remaining Ohio-class SSBNs will gradually be replaced by 12 Columbia-class SSBNs.

SOUDA BAY, Greece (May 21, 2013) The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728), gold crew, arrives in Souda harbor. Florida is homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., and is deployed conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released) 130521-N-MO201-047
According to the US Navy’s latest shipbuilding plan, again subject to the shipyard production, which is always delayed, all four SSGNs will be retired from service by 2028, with no direct replacement, with two boats (USS Ohio and USS Florida) to be decommissioned in 2026.
The USS Florida may have taken her last deployment with this trip worldwide.
But what a trip it was.
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.

Stephen S
January 25, 2025 at 5:54 pm
It’s to bad that the Florida couldn’t stay out and extra day to match her hull number.
Russ
January 26, 2025 at 11:25 am
So what “Rules” were broken? I expected to learn facts supporting the title’s hypothesis, and none were offered.