SUBGRU 9 Hosts First SSGN Commander's Meeting

Since 03-21-04

From NSL Update 02-06-04

By Lt. Barbara Mertz, Submarine Base Bangor Public Affairs, 02 Feb 04

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- As part of a continuing goal to help develop and execute the Navy's guided-missile submarines (SSGN) concept of operations, Commander, Submarine Group (COMSUBGRU) 9, hosted the four SSGN commanding officers at the first SSGN Commanders' Meeting Jan. 22.

USS Ohio (SSGN 726), USS Florida (SSGN 728), USS Michigan (SSGN 727) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) are the four Ohio-class submarines being converted from fleet ballistic missile submarines to SSGNs. The SSGN will be a nuclear-powered submarine capable of firing up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and carrying up to 66 Special Operations Forces. The large payload capacity and ocean interface provided by the 24 missile tubes of an Ohio-class submarine present a transformational opportunity to support naval and joint warfighting.

"This is the first opportunity we've had to get the four SSGN skippers together and to obtain the CO's perspective. Today is your opportunity to provide input and to share new ideas about the SSGN capabilities," explained Rear Adm. Mel G. Williams Jr., Commander, COMSUBGRU 9, as he kicked off the daylong meeting with the commanding officers of the SSGNs.

Ohio, the Navy's oldest Trident submarine, has been at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) since November 2002. Florida entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 2003, and Michigan is scheduled to begin its refueling and conversion process at PSNS in February. Georgia recently began an 11-month proof-of-SSGN-concept-of-operations period, and is scheduled to enter Norfolk Naval Shipyard in early 2005 to begin its refueling and conversion process.

Topics discussed by the SSGN commanding officers, Submarine Group 9 and Submarine Group 10 personnel centered on the development of SSGN concepts of operations, which will define how the SSGNs might be used to support naval and joint warfighting.

Also joining Williams was Rear Adm. Paul Sullivan, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, who presided over a redesignation ceremony for Georgia and Michigan, which changed their status from SSBN to SSGN.

"Congratulations on achieving this Navy milestone," said Sullivan. "The task in front of you is not easy. There is a lot of hard work ahead for the SSGN crews. A lot is expected of this program, and there are still unknowns and challenges ahead, but the character of our Sailors are formed during these challenges."