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Under Secretary of the Navy Tours USS Florida
Story Number: NNS051028-01
Release Date: 10/27/2005 10:00:00 PM
By Journalist Seaman Christopher Okula, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic
PORTSMOUTH, Va (NNS) -- Under Secretary of the Navy Dionel M. Aviles visited USS Florida (SSGN 728) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth as part of a familiarization tour of several mid-Atlantic region commands Oct. 24.
The visit took Aviles throughout much of the groundbreaking vessel, which is the second of four ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) to undergo conversion into the Navy’s latest conventional weapon, the guided-missile submarine (SSGN).
“It’s a real privilege for me to be aboard Florida today,” Aviles said. “I look forward to seeing these ships out in the fleet.”
Following the success of the Navy’s first guided-missile sub, USS Ohio (SSGN 726), the new Florida will be equipped to perform a multitude of missions that vary greatly from the routine patrol tactics of its predecessor.
Among the ship’s still-developing features is an increased crew capacity that allows for up to 66 special operations forces (SOF) to embark with the regular crew of 135, creating a historical joint-service opportunity for the submarine community.
When completed, the SSGNs will be flexible war fighting platforms with capabilities for joint war fighting, including SOF and large-scale strike capabilities in one mobile platform.
The SSGN will also be equipped to support a battery of 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as accomodation for 66-102 Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) special forces, Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) "mini-subs" and a mission control center.
“Florida’s going to be better than new,” said Chief Missile Technician Paul Shafer, the missile department’s leading chief petty officer. “These modifications are going to add increased versatility and a world of capabilities this sub has never had.”
The boat is scheduled to return to the fleet April 1.
For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
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