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USS Florida (SSGN 728)

USS FLORIDA is the third ship in the OHIO-class. She is the first submarine and the sixth U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name of the state and on January 14, 2003, the FLORIDA became the first OHIO -class submarine to launch a Tomahawk cruise missile. In April 2004, conversion started to modify the USS FLORIDA to carry 154 conventional cruise missiles instead of 24 Trident missiles. After completion of the conversion, FLORIDA was redesignated SSGN 728. As an SSGN, the FLORIDA is also able to support operations of up to 66 Special Forces Personnel for up to 90 days. The submarine reentered service on May 25, 2006.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS FLORIDA. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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Accidents aboard USS FLORIDA:

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USS FLORIDA History:

USS FLORIDA was ordered on February 28, 1975, as the third unit of the OHIO-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. She was built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics at Groton, Connecticut, where her keel was laid on July 4, 1976, coinciding with the bicentennial of American independence. The submarine remained unnamed at the time of the keel-laying ceremony. On July 8, 1980, Commander William L. Powell established the Precommissioning Unit SSBN 728, and on January 19, 1981, Secretary of the Navy Edward Hidalgo officially assigned the name FLORIDA, making her the sixth U.S. Navy vessel to honor the state.

The first shipboard watches were established on February 14, 1981, as responsibility for engineering systems was gradually transferred from the shipyard to the crew. FLORIDA was launched and christened on November 14, 1981, sponsored by Marcia M. Carlucci, wife of Deputy Secretary of Defense Frank C. Carlucci. The ceremony was attended by senior military and government officials, including Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Thomas B. Hayward. Fitting-out and testing continued during 1982, and the submarine's nuclear reactor achieved initial criticality on November 13, 1982.

On January 21, 1983, the crew moved aboard FLORIDA, and the submarine began her initial builder's sea trials on February 21. She was delivered to the Navy on May 17, 1983, approximately six weeks ahead of schedule. USS FLORIDA (SSBN 728) was commissioned at Groton on June 18, 1983, with Captain William L. Powell commanding the Blue Crew and Captain George R. Sterner commanding the Gold Crew. Equipped with 24 Trident I (C4) submarine-launched ballistic missiles and four torpedo tubes, FLORIDA was designed to conduct extended submerged strategic deterrent patrols.

Following commissioning, the Blue Crew conducted shakedown operations in the Atlantic, including engineering examinations, tactical training and weapons system evaluations. On August 21, 1983, FLORIDA successfully launched a Trident I missile during a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation. The Gold Crew subsequently assumed command at Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 28 and continued the shakedown program. On October 3, the Gold Crew successfully launched another Trident I missile and completed additional inspections, including a Nuclear Weapons Acceptance Inspection and an Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination. Following these operations, FLORIDA returned to Groton for a Post Shakedown Availability at Electric Boat.

The Post Shakedown Availability was completed on December 19, 1983. Following sea trials and additional preparations, FLORIDA departed New London on December 26 and arrived at Port Canaveral on December 30. During January 1984, the Blue and Gold Crews conducted further training and torpedo proficiency examinations in the Atlantic. On January 15, the Gold Crew assumed command and prepared for the submarine's transfer to her permanent homeport in the Pacific.

FLORIDA transited the Panama Canal on February 18, 1984, and crossed the equator two days later, conducting the traditional Crossing the Line ceremony for members of the crew. During the transit, she participated in exercises designed to test the security and operational procedures of Trident-equipped submarines. On March 25, 1984, FLORIDA arrived at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington, where she joined Submarine Squadron 17 and Submarine Group 9.

Following her arrival at Bangor, FLORIDA began her first strategic weapons loadout at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific. The operation was completed in April, and the Blue Crew assumed command on April 19. After completing the initial refit and conducting trials in Dabob Bay, FLORIDA departed Bangor on May 10, 1984, under Captain Powell for her first strategic deterrent patrol. Rear Admiral A. B. Scott, Jr., Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Fleet, and members of his staff embarked for the initial portion of the patrol before disembarking near Port Angeles on May 13.

During the patrol, FLORIDA maintained strategic alert status while conducting training, engineering drills and weapons readiness evaluations. On June 25, she returned briefly to Bangor for a three-day mid-patrol stop, during which personnel were transferred and supplies replenished. The submarine resumed her patrol on June 28 and subsequently completed an Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination. She returned to Bangor on July 25, 1984, completing her first strategic deterrent patrol.

Following turnover to the Gold Crew, FLORIDA underwent her second refit and prepared for another patrol. On August 28, 1984, Captain Donald M. Lachata relieved Captain Powell as commanding officer of the Blue Crew. The Gold Crew completed the submarine's second strategic deterrent patrol on November 4, and the Blue Crew subsequently resumed command. After another refit and trials in Dabob Bay, FLORIDA departed Bangor on November 29 for her third patrol.

During the following years, FLORIDA operated from Bangor with alternating Blue and Gold Crews, maintaining a regular schedule of strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific. The two-crew system allowed the submarine to remain operational for extended periods while one crew underwent training and leave ashore and the other conducted patrols or prepared the ship for deployment. Between patrols, FLORIDA received maintenance at the Trident Refit Facility in Bangor and underwent periodic tactical, engineering and strategic weapons inspections.

On February 11, 1985, FLORIDA's Blue Crew returned to Bangor after completing a 75-day strategic deterrent patrol. During the final days of the patrol, the crew successfully completed a Tactical Readiness Evaluation and Navy Technical Proficiency Inspection, both receiving satisfactory evaluations. The Gold Crew assumed command on February 15 and conducted the fourth patrol while the Blue Crew completed its off-crew training program.

Following the Gold Crew's return in May, FLORIDA entered dry dock at Bangor during Refit 5, her first drydocking since completion of the Post Shakedown Availability. On June 6, 1985, the submarine received a visit from Japanese Defense Minister Koichi Kato and other Japanese officials, accompanied by Rear Admiral Holland, Commander, Submarine Group 5. After completing trials in Dabob Bay, FLORIDA departed Bangor on June 15 for her fifth strategic deterrent patrol.

During the fifth patrol, the Blue Crew conducted weapons readiness drills and prepared for an Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination. The examination was completed in August, and FLORIDA returned to Bangor on August 16, 1985, after 62 days at sea. The Gold Crew subsequently assumed command and departed on the sixth patrol. During October, members of the Blue Crew's command and control team embarked aboard FLORIDA in Hawaiian waters for a Mk 48 Torpedo Proficiency Inspection. The Blue Crew resumed command on November 19 and departed on the submarine's seventh strategic deterrent patrol on December 13, 1985.

FLORIDA continued her patrol schedule throughout 1986. On February 20, the Gold Crew relieved the Blue Crew and began preparations for the eighth patrol, departing Bangor on March 14. The submarine returned on May 23 after completing a Navy Technical Proficiency Inspection, and the Blue Crew assumed command two days later to prepare for the ninth patrol. On June 14, 1986, Captain Peter M. Galbraith relieved Captain Robert W. Boyce as commanding officer of the Gold Crew.

The Gold Crew resumed command on September 6, 1986, and FLORIDA underwent another refit that included modifications to coolant system piping, inspection of the reduction gear and drydocking. She departed on her tenth strategic deterrent patrol on September 29 and returned to Bangor on December 13. During the patrol, the crew successfully completed an Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination and received the Golden Anchor Award from Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Fleet. The Blue Crew assumed command on December 16 for the next refit.

During the remainder of the 1980s, FLORIDA maintained regular deterrent patrols from Bangor while participating in periodic operational evaluations, engineering inspections and strategic weapons tests. Her crews continued to support the Navy's sea-based nuclear deterrent throughout the final years of the Cold War. In 1989, FLORIDA received the Battle Efficiency "E" award for her operational performance.

Following the end of the Cold War, FLORIDA remained assigned to the Pacific Fleet's strategic submarine force. The United States continued to maintain a substantial sea-based nuclear deterrent while implementing arms control agreements and adjusting the composition of its ballistic missile submarine fleet. FLORIDA received another Battle Efficiency "E" in 1991 and was awarded the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award, recognizing her as an outstanding ship of the Pacific Fleet.

During the early 1990s, FLORIDA continued conducting strategic patrols, participating in missile system evaluations and receiving regular maintenance at Bangor. Her crews also received recognition for operational performance, training and personnel programs. In May 1994, the submarine visited Naval Air Station Alameda, California, during operations off the West Coast. She was awarded another Battle Efficiency "E" for 1994 and received the Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet Golden Anchor Award for excellence in personnel retention and related programs.

In early 1995, FLORIDA conducted her 40th strategic deterrent patrol. During this period, she participated in a Follow-on Commander-in-Chief Evaluation Test of the Trident I weapons system. On March 8 and 16, 1995, FLORIDA successfully launched a total of six Trident I (C4) ballistic missiles, including four on March 8 and two on March 16. The launches represented the first successful firing of six Trident missiles in rapid succession by an OHIO-class submarine and demonstrated the continued reliability of the C4 strategic weapons system.

On May 18, 1995, FLORIDA departed Bangor to begin her 41st strategic deterrent patrol but returned two days later following the discovery of a material problem. The patrol was subsequently cancelled as preparations continued for a major overhaul. On July 5, the Blue and Gold Crews were temporarily combined under Captain Robert G. Speer in anticipation of the upcoming maintenance period.

On October 1, 1995, FLORIDA began an Engineered Overhaul at the Trident Refit Facility in Bangor. The availability was managed by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and included extensive maintenance and modernization of the submarine's engineering, navigation and combat systems. The overhaul was completed in July 1996, after approximately nine months. On July 5, the Blue and Gold Crews were separated again, with Captain Speer assuming command of the Blue Crew and Commander Michael E. Neller taking command of the Gold Crew.

Following completion of the overhaul, FLORIDA conducted post-maintenance trials and preparations for her return to strategic service. On September 23, 1996, Commander Michael J. Alfonso relieved Captain Speer as commanding officer of the Blue Crew. On October 2, the Gold Crew successfully launched a Trident I missile during a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, completing the final such test conducted with the Trident I (C4) missile system.

After completing the necessary inspections and weapons loading, FLORIDA resumed strategic deterrent patrols in 1997. The Gold Crew returned to Bangor on February 28 after the submarine's 42nd patrol, and the Blue Crew completed the 43rd patrol on June 5. During the following months, FLORIDA continued operating from Bangor, with further patrols, crew exchanges and maintenance periods.

On August 11, 1997, Commander Michael J. Alfonso was relieved of command of FLORIDA's Blue Crew by Rear Admiral Paul F. Sullivan, Commander, Submarine Group 9, following concerns about his leadership and the command climate aboard the submarine. The decision was based on a loss of confidence in his ability to maintain an effective command team. Commander Gregory M. Billy subsequently assumed command of the Blue Crew. FLORIDA continued her operational patrol schedule during the remainder of the year.

During 1998, FLORIDA continued her strategic deterrent operations in the Pacific. The Gold Crew completed the submarine's 46th patrol on April 23, while the Blue Crew returned from the 47th patrol on August 13. The Gold Crew subsequently conducted another extended patrol, returning to Bangor on December 3. The submarine continued to undergo regular inspections and maintenance between patrols.

On July 15, 1999, FLORIDA completed her 50th strategic deterrent patrol, marking another milestone in her service with the Pacific Fleet's Trident submarine force. She received further recognition for her operational performance, including the Battle Efficiency "E" for 1999 and several departmental excellence awards. The submarine continued patrols throughout the remainder of the year, completing her 51st patrol on October 31.

During 2000 and 2001, FLORIDA remained in strategic service while the Navy evaluated the future of the first four OHIO-class submarines. On May 25, 2001, she completed a strategic deterrent patrol that marked the 3,500th such patrol conducted by a U.S. Navy fleet ballistic missile submarine since the beginning of the Navy's Polaris patrol program in 1960. The milestone was achieved by FLORIDA's Gold Crew during regular Pacific Fleet operations.

As the United States reduced its deployed strategic nuclear forces, the Navy decided to convert the four oldest OHIO-class submarines into guided-missile submarines rather than retire them. In addition to FLORIDA, the submarines selected for conversion were USS OHIO (SSBN 726), USS MICHIGAN (SSBN 727) and USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729). The planned conversion would replace their nuclear ballistic missile armament with conventional cruise missiles and provide facilities for supporting special operations forces.

In the fall of 2002, FLORIDA completed her 61st and final strategic deterrent patrol. During October, her complement of Trident I (C4) ballistic missiles was removed at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific, Bangor. On November 1, 2002, the submarine was withdrawn from strategic service in preparation for her conversion to a guided-missile submarine, ending nearly nineteen years of operational service in the Pacific Fleet's strategic deterrent force.

Before entering the shipyard, FLORIDA participated in a series of experiments designed to evaluate the capabilities of the future SSGN force. During January 2003, she conducted the Giant Shadow demonstration in waters near the Bahamas. The experiments included the successful launch of two Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles from modified ballistic missile launch tubes on January 14 and 16. The launches demonstrated the feasibility of adapting the OHIO-class submarine's missile compartment for conventional land-attack weapons and provided data for the planned SSGN conversion program.

Giant Shadow also examined the use of the submarine as a platform for special operations forces, including the deployment and recovery of personnel and equipment. The experiments involved modifications to the missile compartment and the integration of new command, control and communications capabilities. They formed part of the Navy's Sea Trial initiative to evaluate new operational concepts before the permanent conversion of the four selected submarines.

On June 27, 2003, FLORIDA arrived at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, to begin preparations for a combined Engineered Refueling Overhaul and conversion to a guided-missile submarine. The formal refueling and conversion availability commenced in August. The work included refueling the submarine's nuclear reactor, extensive maintenance and modernization of engineering systems, and major alterations to her missile compartment and associated equipment.

The conversion involved modifying 22 of FLORIDA's 24 ballistic missile tubes to accommodate Multiple-All-Up-Round Canisters, each capable of carrying seven Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. The remaining two forward missile tubes were adapted for the deployment and recovery of special operations personnel and equipment, including the use of Dry Deck Shelters and swimmer lock-out operations. Additional modifications provided accommodations and support facilities for up to 66 special operations personnel, along with improved command, control and communications systems.

The work continued throughout 2004 and 2005, transforming FLORIDA from a strategic ballistic missile submarine into a platform capable of conducting conventional land-attack strikes and supporting special operations. The submarine retained her four 21-inch torpedo tubes and was equipped to carry a maximum of 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Her new mission also required extensive crew training, operational certification and testing of the modified weapons and special operations systems.

In March 2006, FLORIDA conducted sea trials from Norfolk following completion of the major conversion work. She departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard in April and proceeded to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, which became her new homeport. On May 25, 2006, USS FLORIDA (SSGN 728) formally returned to active service during a ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. Marcia M. Carlucci, who had sponsored the submarine at her original christening in 1981, participated in the ceremony marking her return to the fleet.

Following conversion, FLORIDA conducted training and operational preparations in the Atlantic and along the East Coast. Her activities included testing of the modified missile and communications systems, special operations training and exercises involving Naval Special Warfare personnel. During July 2007, members of SEAL Delivery Team 2 conducted operations with a SEAL Delivery Vehicle from FLORIDA, demonstrating the submarine's ability to support the covert deployment and recovery of special operations forces.

On April 26, 2008, FLORIDA departed Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on her first operational deployment as a guided-missile submarine. The deployment took her to the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility and included operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf region. She visited Gibraltar on May 7 and subsequently proceeded through the Suez Canal toward the Middle East. During the deployment, FLORIDA conducted crew exchanges at forward locations, including Diego Garcia, allowing the submarine to remain overseas while alternating between her Blue and Gold Crews.

The deployment also included visits to Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates and other regional ports, along with training and operational missions supporting U.S. naval forces. On February 3, 2009, Captain Randy B. Crites relieved Captain William F. Traub as commanding officer of FLORIDA's Blue Crew during a ceremony at Diego Garcia. On April 17, FLORIDA arrived at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, for a routine port visit during the concluding phase of her deployment. She departed Souda Bay on April 21 and returned to Kings Bay on May 8, 2009, after approximately twelve months away from homeport.

Following maintenance and preparations for another deployment, FLORIDA departed Kings Bay on February 16, 2010, for her second extended operational deployment as an SSGN. During the deployment, she operated in the U.S. Central and European Command areas of responsibility, conducting missions and training activities associated with conventional strike readiness and special operations support. Her Blue and Gold Crews continued to alternate through forward crew exchanges, supported by overseas naval facilities.

On June 28, 2010, FLORIDA was at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean during a period when three OHIO-class guided-missile submarines made simultaneous port visits in widely separated areas. USS OHIO entered Subic Bay in the Philippines, while USS MICHIGAN arrived at Busan, Republic of Korea. FLORIDA conducted a remote crew exchange and voyage repairs at Diego Garcia, continuing her deployment after completion of the maintenance period. By this time, all four converted OHIO-class submarines, including USS GEORGIA, had been forward deployed simultaneously for the first time.

FLORIDA remained overseas into 2011, continuing operations in the Mediterranean and adjacent regions. On March 7, 2011, she arrived at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, for a scheduled port visit. During the same period, unrest in Libya developed into an armed conflict between forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi and opposition groups. Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 on March 17, the United States and its coalition partners began preparations to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civilians from attacks by Libyan government forces.

On March 19, 2011, FLORIDA participated in the opening strikes of Operation Odyssey Dawn, launching Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles against Libyan military targets. The operation involved coordinated missile attacks from U.S. Navy surface combatants and submarines, including the guided-missile destroyers USS BARRY (DDG 52) and USS STOUT (DDG 55), and the nuclear-powered attack submarines USS PROVIDENCE (SSN 719) and USS SCRANTON (SSN 756). British submarines also participated in the initial coalition missile strikes.

The attacks were directed primarily against Libyan air defense installations and command-and-control facilities in preparation for the enforcement of the no-fly zone. During Operation Odyssey Dawn, FLORIDA launched more than 90 Tomahawk missiles, becoming the first converted OHIO-class guided-missile submarine to employ her cruise missile armament in combat. Her large missile capacity enabled her to deliver a substantial portion of the initial submarine-launched strikes against Libyan targets.

FLORIDA returned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on April 29, 2011, completing a fifteen-month deployment in the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility. During the deployment, the submarine had supported operational missions involving U.S., joint and coalition forces, culminating in her participation in Operation Odyssey Dawn. Following her return, she entered a scheduled maintenance and training period before resuming operational preparations.

During the following years, FLORIDA continued operating from Kings Bay, conducting training, maintenance and deployments in support of Atlantic Fleet requirements. Her assignments included conventional strike readiness, intelligence-related missions and special operations support, although details of many individual operations were not publicly released. The submarine maintained the Blue and Gold Crew rotation system, permitting extended periods overseas while personnel and equipment were exchanged at forward support locations.

FLORIDA also continued to conduct port visits in the Mediterranean during these operations. In April 2016, she visited Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during another period of operations in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. Such visits provided opportunities for maintenance, replenishment and personnel support while the submarine remained available for operational assignments.

During the late 2010s, FLORIDA began another extended period of forward deployment involving operations across several geographic combatant commands. The submarine supported missions in the U.S. Africa, Central and European Command areas of responsibility, with her Blue and Gold Crews alternating through overseas crew exchanges. Periodic maintenance and logistical support at forward locations allowed her to remain deployed for an unusually long period without returning to Kings Bay.

During 2019, FLORIDA made several documented visits to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay while operating in the Mediterranean. On March 14, she arrived at the installation for a routine port visit, followed by another visit beginning on September 7. Between port calls, the submarine continued operational missions in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility and received logistical support at forward locations.

On May 9, 2020, FLORIDA returned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay after approximately thirty months of forward deployment. During this period, she had remained overseas for more than 800 days and traveled approximately 98,000 nautical miles while supporting operations across three geographic combatant commands. More than 200 members of her crews earned their submarine warfare qualifications during the deployment. The prolonged overseas assignment demonstrated the ability of the two-crew system and forward maintenance arrangements to sustain an OHIO-class SSGN far from her homeport.

Following her return, FLORIDA underwent maintenance, training and preparations for further operational service at Kings Bay. The Navy continued reviewing the future of its four OHIO-class guided-missile submarines as they approached the end of their originally planned service lives. Although earlier long-range plans had called for the first SSGNs to be retired during the middle of the 2020s, the submarines remained in operation while the Navy assessed their material condition, operational requirements and available conventional strike capabilities.

In August 2022, FLORIDA departed Kings Bay on another extended deployment that would take her through the U.S. Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Fleet areas of responsibility. The submarine operated in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Pacific regions, supported by periodic crew exchanges and maintenance at forward locations. Her extended overseas operations included missions supporting regional security, conventional strike readiness and the Navy's special operations capabilities.

On November 4, 2022, FLORIDA was photographed underway in the Ionian Sea during operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. She subsequently continued operations in the Mediterranean and Middle East, making use of forward support facilities during the deployment. In March 2023, FLORIDA conducted a port visit to Naples, Italy, before proceeding to further operations in the region.

On April 7, 2023, FLORIDA transited the Suez Canal southbound into the Red Sea while operating under U.S. Fifth Fleet. The Navy publicly announced the submarine's presence in the region during a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The deployment demonstrated the availability of a large conventional cruise-missile capability in the area, although the Navy did not disclose the details of FLORIDA's operational missions.

FLORIDA subsequently returned to the Mediterranean and, on August 4, 2023, arrived in the Bay of Naples for a brief logistics stop. During the visit, the submarine received logistical support and hosted distinguished visitors, contributing to continued cooperation between the United States and Italy. The stop was part of her ongoing extended deployment, which involved operations in several fleet areas of responsibility.

On September 14, 2023, FLORIDA arrived at Tromso, Norway, for a scheduled port visit. The arrival marked the first visit by an American guided-missile submarine of the SSGN type to Norway. During the visit, FLORIDA hosted Norwegian and American officials and provided opportunities for professional exchanges, supporting cooperation between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy. Following the port visit, the submarine resumed operations in support of U.S. and NATO maritime security requirements.

FLORIDA continued her extended deployment through the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, operating across multiple fleet areas of responsibility. The submarine conducted crew exchanges and received maintenance and logistics support at overseas facilities, including Guam and Diego Garcia. Her operational schedule also included visits to Greece and the United Kingdom, while individual mission details remained largely undisclosed.

On July 31, 2024, FLORIDA returned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay following a deployment lasting 727 days. During the nearly two-year deployment, her Blue and Gold Crews completed five crew exchanges and operated in the U.S. Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Fleet areas of responsibility, traveling more than 60,000 nautical miles. The submarine had conducted operations in several oceans and visited ports in Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific during the deployment.

Following her return to Kings Bay, FLORIDA resumed maintenance and training activities as the Navy continued evaluating the remaining service lives of the four OHIO-class guided-missile submarines. The extended deployments conducted by FLORIDA during the preceding years had demonstrated the continued operational use of the SSGN force, while the age of the submarines and the growing maintenance requirements remained important factors in future force planning.

As of October 2026, FLORIDA remained in commission as one of the U.S. Navy's four OHIO-class guided-missile submarines. Although earlier plans had called for her retirement during fiscal year 2026, the Navy's shipbuilding plan published in May 2026 scheduled her inactivation and subsequent recycling for fiscal year 2028. The plan also provided for further annual reviews of the submarine's material condition, operational contribution and remaining service life before a final inactivation decision.

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