Quote of the Month

The most interesting operational quote of the month comes courtesy of Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, Commander, Submarine Group 9.

The Submarine Force has achieved another first with all four guided missile submarines (SSGN) deployed for the first time simultaneously.

Although the West Coast SSGNs, USS Ohio (SSGN 726) and USS Michigan (SSGN 727), and East Coast SSGNs, USS Florida (SSGN 728) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729), have previously been underway at the same time, this milestone marks the first time all four SSGNs have been forward deployed away from their homeports.

“I think it is remarkable they are all deployed at once because back in the mid 90’s this was just a power point presentation,” said Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, Commander, Submarine Group 9. “We have transitioned from an idea on paper to an actual capability to the nation. Their capabilities are revolutionary in what a typical submarine can do because they can carry multiple Tomahawk missiles, special operating forces, improved sonar processers, and a battle management center. It is truly one of the most capable platforms in the Navy today.”

Before the USS Ohio (SSGN 726) made her first deployment, word was that the SSGN fleet would be operationally testing new technologies in the reconfigurable silos every deployment in order to advance the science and technology of underwater warfare.

It is my hope that was a standing order, and that practice continues to this day.

USS Ohio (SSGN 726), USS Michigan (SSGN 727), USS Florida (SSGN 728), and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) represent the most powerful conventional military capability in the world at penetrating enemy defense networks. They represent the true meaning of stealth strike power, and after a conversion of four submarines that carried a combined price tag less than the cost of a single B-2 bomber - the fleet of four submarines is probably the single greatest investment in conventional military equipment in all of our lifetimes.