5th Fleet Focus: Restless Nights Approaching

I get the impression something like this can give certain people a restless nights sleep. While the 5th Fleet will be losing a CSG soon, they are getting an interesting upgrade as well.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (April 26, 2024) The guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) departs Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay for its first operational deployment after undergoing conversion from a ballistic-missile capable submarine (SSBN) to a guided-missile submarine (SSGN). The normal patrol for an SSBN is about three months; however, as an SSGN, Florida will be deployed for approximately 12 months. Florida departed with her blue crew, led by Capt. William Traub. The blue crew will rotate duties every three months with the gold crew, led by Capt. John Litherland, during the deployment. The use of two crews allows Florida to have a greater forward presence and the conversion from ballistic missiles to guided missiles allows for greater payload capacity and mission flexibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kimberly Clifford (Released)

Click image for link and Hi-res.

Clearly this is the stuff conspiracy theories are made of. One point though, with DDS the SSGN loses some Tomahawk capability, so if I was estimating, if she has a full load figure between 98 and 112 cruise missiles. When the Navy opened up the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) to the press earlier this year, it was implied the submarine had 105 cruise missiles aboard.