USS Georgia (SSGN 729)

USS GEORGIA is the fourth OHIO - class submarine and the second ship to bear the name of this grand state, one of the thirteen original states of the Union.

In October 2005, conversion started to modify the USS GEORGIA to carry 154 conventional cruise missiles instead of 24 Trident missiles. After completion of the conversion, GEORGIA was redesignated SSGN 729. As an SSGN, GEORGIA is also able to support operations of up to 66 Special Forces Personnel for up to 90 days.

Crew List:

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

History of USS GEORGIA:

USS GEORGIA was ordered on February 20, 1976, as the fourth 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 April 7, 1979. The keel-laying ceremony was attended by First Lady Rosalynn Carter, whose initials were welded into the keel during the ceremony. The submarine was launched and christened on November 6, 1982, sponsored by Sheila M. Watkins, wife of Admiral James D. Watkins, Chief of Naval Operations.

Following completion of construction, fitting-out and acceptance trials, GEORGIA was commissioned as USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729) on February 11, 1984, at the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London, Connecticut. Captain A. W. Kuester assumed command of the Blue Crew, while Captain M. P. Gray commanded the Gold Crew. Admiral James D. Watkins presided over the commissioning ceremony. Equipped with 24 Trident I (C4) submarine-launched ballistic missiles and four torpedo tubes, GEORGIA was designed to conduct extended submerged strategic deterrent patrols as part of the United States' sea-based nuclear forces.

Following commissioning, GEORGIA began a period of shakedown operations and weapons system testing in the Atlantic. During March and April 1984, she conducted trials and evaluations to demonstrate the readiness of her propulsion, navigation and strategic weapons systems. On April 7, 1984, the submarine successfully launched a Trident I missile on the Eastern Test Range during a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation. Additional training, inspections and operational preparations continued throughout the following months before her transfer to the Pacific Fleet.

In November 1984, GEORGIA arrived at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington, which became her first operational homeport. Assigned to Submarine Squadron 17, she began preparations for strategic deterrent operations in the Pacific. On December 3, 1984, GEORGIA completed her first strategic weapons loadout at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific, taking aboard her complement of Trident I ballistic missiles. Following additional training and operational preparations, she departed Bangor on January 26, 1985, for her first strategic deterrent patrol.

During 1985, GEORGIA combined her regular deterrent patrol schedule with further testing of the Trident I weapons system. On May 26, she successfully launched four Trident I missiles during a series of operational test firings. Two additional missiles were launched on September 12 and 13, 1985, during follow-on tests designed to evaluate the performance, accuracy and reliability of the strategic weapons system. Between patrols, the submarine underwent maintenance, inspections and crew exchanges at Bangor under the Blue and Gold Crew system.

On March 22, 1986, GEORGIA was involved in a fatal collision with the harbor tug USS SECOTA (YTM 415) while operating approximately three miles south of Midway Island in the central Pacific. SECOTA had approached the submarine to receive a crew member who was departing on emergency leave. Shortly after the personnel transfer, the tug lost propulsion power and drifted into GEORGIA's stern diving plane and propeller area. SECOTA sustained severe damage and sank within approximately two minutes. Ten people, including the transferred submariner, were rescued, but two members of the tug's crew lost their lives.

Following the collision, GEORGIA assisted in the recovery of survivors and subsequently proceeded to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Although initial Navy statements described the submarine as undamaged, subsequent records indicated that minor damage required emergency repairs before she resumed operations. The accident was investigated by naval authorities, and the circumstances surrounding the loss of SECOTA were examined as part of the investigation.

From April 30 to May 10, 1986, GEORGIA underwent a refit and crew exchange at Outer Apra Harbor, Guam, while moored alongside the submarine tender USS PROTEUS (AS 19). The operation marked the first Western Pacific refit and crew exchange conducted for a Trident ballistic missile submarine. The availability demonstrated that the Pacific Fleet's Trident submarines could receive maintenance and logistical support at forward locations rather than returning to Bangor after every period of operations.

GEORGIA continued her strategic deterrent patrols throughout the remainder of 1986 and received recognition for her operational performance. She was included among the units awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for operations conducted between September 1983 and May 1986, while a second Meritorious Unit Commendation recognized operations between February and August 1986. The awards reflected the performance of the submarine and other participating units in maintaining strategic readiness during Pacific Fleet operations.

During the late 1980s, GEORGIA maintained a regular schedule of strategic deterrent patrols from Bangor. Her Blue and Gold Crews alternated between extended submerged patrols, maintenance periods, tactical training and operational evaluations. The two-crew system permitted the submarine to maintain a high level of operational availability while providing time for crew training and leave between patrols. During March 1988 and November 1989, GEORGIA was photographed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during operations in the Pacific.

Following the end of the Cold War, GEORGIA remained an active component of the Navy's strategic submarine force. Throughout the early 1990s, she continued conducting deterrent patrols in the Pacific while undergoing scheduled maintenance and modernization at Bangor. The reduction of strategic nuclear forces and the implementation of arms control agreements resulted in changes to the composition of the ballistic missile submarine fleet, but GEORGIA continued operating with the Trident I weapons system.

In 1993, GEORGIA and members of her crew appeared in the Discovery Channel documentary "Submarines: Sharks of Steel", which provided a public account of life and operations aboard an OHIO-class ballistic missile submarine. The documentary included footage of submarine operations, training and the daily routines of the crew, offering a view of the Navy's strategic submarine force during the post-Cold War period.

During February and March 1994, GEORGIA operated in the Atlantic for a Follow-on Commander-in-Chief Evaluation Test of the Trident I weapons system. On March 28, 1994, she successfully launched four Trident I (C4) ballistic missiles during the evaluation. The launches were conducted to verify the continuing performance and reliability of the strategic missile system under operational conditions. GEORGIA was the first Pacific Fleet ballistic missile submarine selected to conduct this type of evaluation in the Atlantic.

Following the weapons evaluation, GEORGIA continued her regular strategic deterrent patrol schedule from Bangor. During the mid-1990s, the submarine underwent periodic maintenance and modernization while maintaining operational readiness. Between March and July 1997, she completed the first Trident Extended Refit Period, a longer maintenance availability designed to address the engineering, mechanical and operational requirements of the OHIO-class submarines. The work included inspections, repairs and modernization of equipment required for continued strategic service.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, GEORGIA remained assigned to Submarine Squadron 17 at Bangor. Her Blue and Gold Crews continued to conduct strategic deterrent patrols, interspersed with maintenance, training and readiness evaluations. The Gold Crew received the Commander, Submarine Squadron 17 Battle Efficiency "E" award for 2001, recognizing superior performance in operational readiness, engineering, navigation, weapons proficiency and other areas of shipboard performance.

By the early 2000s, the Navy had decided to convert the four oldest OHIO-class ballistic missile submarines into guided-missile submarines rather than retire them. In addition to GEORGIA, the submarines selected for conversion were USS OHIO (SSBN 726), USS MICHIGAN (SSBN 727) and USS FLORIDA (SSBN 728). The conversion program was intended to provide a large conventional land-attack missile capability and extensive facilities for supporting special operations forces.

On October 30, 2003, GEORGIA returned to Bangor after completing her 65th and final strategic deterrent patrol. The return marked the end of approximately nineteen years of operational service as a ballistic missile submarine. Following the patrol, GEORGIA began preparations for removal of her Trident I missiles and subsequent conversion to a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine.

On November 7, 2003, a serious missile-handling incident occurred at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific in Bangor while Trident I missiles were being removed from GEORGIA. During preparations to unload a missile from tube 16, a ladder was inadvertently left inside the launch tube. When the missile was subsequently raised, its nose cone struck the ladder and sustained damage. The operation was immediately halted. No nuclear warheads were breached, and there was no release of radioactive material.

The incident resulted in an extensive investigation of missile-handling procedures and safety practices at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific. Several members of the handling team faced disciplinary proceedings, and the facility was temporarily closed for inspection. Captain Keith Lyles, the facility's commanding officer, was relieved of command on December 19, 2003, followed by several other senior members of the command. The facility resumed operations in January 2004 after corrective measures and additional inspections. GEORGIA's crew was not found responsible for the missile-handling accident.

On January 1, 2004, GEORGIA was withdrawn from strategic service as preparations continued for her conversion to a guided-missile submarine. During January, the remaining strategic weapons were removed, and from January 28 through March 28, the submarine underwent a refit and preparations for a Board of Inspection and Survey examination at Naval Submarine Base Bangor. The examination was conducted in May, while work also continued on equipment and procedures required for her future SSGN role.

On June 23, 2004, GEORGIA departed Bangor for a six-month deployment intended to demonstrate new operational concepts for the SSGN force and prepare for her eventual transfer to the East Coast. After arriving in San Diego, California, on June 30, she began a 28-day installation period for experimental equipment associated with the planned Silent Hammer demonstration. During July and early August, the submarine conducted littoral surveillance operations and other activities intended to evaluate the employment of an SSGN in joint and special operations missions.

Additional experimental equipment was installed during August and September 2004. In September, GEORGIA participated in Exercise Silent Hammer near San Clemente Island, California. During the two-week experiment, the submarine embarked more than 200 personnel and served as a command and communications platform supporting special operations and joint warfare activities. The exercise evaluated the use of a converted ballistic missile submarine as a forward command node capable of coordinating operations involving special operations forces, surveillance equipment and other naval assets.

Following the successful completion of Silent Hammer, GEORGIA was redesignated SSGN 729 in October 2004. During the same month, she departed San Diego and transited the Panama Canal en route to the Atlantic. In November, GEORGIA visited Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, during Veterans Day before proceeding to Norfolk, Virginia. During this period, she also assisted with sea trials associated with the precommissioning submarine USS JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23).

After arriving at Norfolk, GEORGIA underwent preparations for an Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination, which was conducted between November 29 and December 12, 2004. On December 20, Commander Rodney Hutton relieved Commander John Tammen as commanding officer. The submarine subsequently began preparations for the major shipyard availability that would complete her transformation into a guided-missile submarine.

In February 2005, GEORGIA entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard at Portsmouth, Virginia, for an Engineered Refueling Overhaul and SSGN conversion. The work included refueling the submarine's nuclear reactor, extensive maintenance of her propulsion and engineering systems, and major modifications to the missile compartment, communications equipment and supporting facilities. The refueling and conversion work was conducted in cooperation with General Dynamics Electric Boat as part of the Navy's program to modernize the first four OHIO-class submarines for conventional strike and special operations missions.

Twenty-two of GEORGIA's 24 former ballistic missile launch tubes were modified to accommodate Multiple-All-Up-Round Canisters, each capable of carrying seven Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. The remaining two forward missile tubes were converted to support special operations personnel and equipment, including swimmer lock-out operations and the use of Dry Deck Shelters. Additional modifications provided accommodations for up to 66 special operations personnel and improved command, control and communications capabilities.

The conversion work continued throughout 2005, 2006 and 2007. In addition to the missile compartment modifications, the submarine received extensive maintenance and modernization of navigation, communication, engineering and weapons systems. The resulting configuration allowed GEORGIA to carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles while retaining her four torpedo tubes and the ability to conduct conventional submarine operations. The submarine's new facilities also permitted extended missions involving embarked Naval Special Warfare personnel.

GEORGIA completed her SSGN conversion in December 2007 and departed Norfolk for her new homeport at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. She was assigned to Submarine Squadron 16 and began preparing for operational service with the Atlantic Fleet. On March 28, 2008, GEORGIA formally returned to service during a ceremony at Kings Bay attended by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and senior naval officials. The ceremony marked the completion of her transition from a strategic ballistic missile submarine to a guided-missile submarine.

Following the conversion, GEORGIA underwent additional testing, training and operational certification in the Atlantic. These activities included evaluation of the modified missile systems, communications equipment and facilities for special operations personnel. The submarine also conducted training designed to integrate her new conventional strike and special operations missions into the operational requirements of the Atlantic Fleet.

In August 2009, GEORGIA departed Kings Bay on her first operational deployment as a guided-missile submarine. The deployment included operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility, with visits to Naples, Italy, and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, during August. The submarine subsequently continued operations in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean regions, with periodic maintenance and crew exchanges at forward support locations.

During February 2010, GEORGIA visited Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory, where she received logistical support during operations in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. In July, she returned to Souda Bay for another port visit. GEORGIA's Blue and Gold Crews continued to alternate during extended deployments, allowing the submarine to remain overseas while one crew returned to Kings Bay for training and leave. In January 2010, she received the Submarine Squadron 16 Battle Efficiency "E" award for 2009, along with the Engineering "E" and Navigation "N" awards.

In December 2010, GEORGIA suffered a significant engineering casualty involving her main reduction gear while undergoing maintenance at Kings Bay. During work on the reduction gear assembly, a bolt was inadvertently left inside the machinery. Subsequent rotation of the propulsion shaft caused damage to the gear system. The incident resulted in approximately $2.2 million in damage and required several months of repairs, delaying the submarine's planned operational schedule. A Navy investigation identified failures in maintenance procedures, supervision and compliance with established safety requirements, and disciplinary and administrative action was taken against members of the engineering department.

Following repairs, GEORGIA resumed operational preparations and subsequently returned to overseas operations. During September 2011, she received maintenance and logistical support from the submarine tender USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39) at Diego Garcia. The availability supported continued operations in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters. GEORGIA returned to Kings Bay in July 2012 after another extended deployment involving missions in the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility.

During 2013 and 2014, GEORGIA continued regular deployments from Kings Bay, operating in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. In May 2013, she visited Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, before proceeding to operations farther east. During August and December, the submarine was photographed at Diego Garcia, where she received maintenance and logistical support from USS EMORY S. LAND. Additional visits to Diego Garcia followed in April 2014, and GEORGIA returned to Kings Bay in September after another extended period of overseas operations.

On November 25, 2015, GEORGIA was involved in a navigation accident while entering Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. During the inbound transit, the submarine struck a channel buoy and subsequently ran aground. The accident caused external damage to the submarine, although there were no reports of damage to the pressure hull or injuries to the crew. GEORGIA was subsequently placed in dry dock for inspection and repairs, with the cost of the damage estimated at approximately $1 million.

Following an investigation into the accident, Captain David Adams, commanding officer of GEORGIA's Blue Crew, was relieved of command on January 4, 2016, by Rear Admiral Randy B. Crites, Commander, Submarine Group 10. The Navy cited a loss of confidence in Adams' ability to command. Following completion of repairs and operational preparations, GEORGIA resumed operations from Kings Bay during the spring of 2016.

During the following years, GEORGIA continued her role as a conventional strike and special operations platform. Her assignments included extended deployments, maintenance periods and operational training in support of Atlantic Fleet requirements. On March 22, 2019, she was undocked at Kings Bay following an extended refit period that included maintenance, repairs and modernization of equipment required for continued SSGN operations.

Following additional training and preparations, GEORGIA conducted operations from Kings Bay during the first half of 2020. In July, she departed on her fifth operational deployment as a guided-missile submarine, beginning an unusually long period of forward operations that would ultimately last more than two years. On August 9, 2020, the submarine was photographed operating on the surface near Naval Station Rota, Spain, while receiving replacement parts and logistical support from personnel assigned to Submarine Group 8.

After operating in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, GEORGIA proceeded through the Suez Canal into the Indian Ocean. On September 25, 2020, she arrived at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia for a crew exchange and maintenance period. The availability provided logistical support and allowed the submarine to continue her forward deployment without returning to Kings Bay.

On December 21, 2020, GEORGIA transited the Strait of Hormuz on the surface, entering the Arabian Gulf from the Gulf of Oman. She was accompanied by the guided-missile cruisers USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73) and USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58). The publicly announced transit took place during a period of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and demonstrated the presence of a guided-missile submarine in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility.

Following the transit, GEORGIA continued operations in the Arabian Gulf and arrived at Manama, Bahrain, on December 23, 2020, for a sustainment and logistics visit. The submarine received maintenance and logistical support during the port call before departing on December 27. The visit was part of the Navy's continuing regional maritime security operations and supported the extended employment of GEORGIA in the Middle East.

During the first half of 2021, GEORGIA continued operations in the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf. On July 15 and 16, she participated in anti-submarine warfare exercises with the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group in the Arabian Sea. Participating surface ships included the guided-missile cruiser USS SHILOH (CG 67) and the guided-missile destroyer USS HALSEY (DDG 97), supported by aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 5 and maritime patrol and reconnaissance units.

The exercises involved coordinated anti-submarine warfare training and tactical procedures designed to improve interoperability between surface ships, aircraft and submarines. GEORGIA's participation demonstrated the ability of an OHIO-class SSGN to support fleet-level exercises in addition to its primary conventional strike and special operations missions. Following the exercises, the submarine continued her deployment in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area.

During early 2022, GEORGIA shifted operations toward the Mediterranean and European waters. On January 15, the Navy publicly released photographs of the submarine near Limassol, Cyprus, during operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. Further movements included transits of the Suez Canal and other major maritime passages connecting the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

On April 13, 2022, GEORGIA arrived at Gibraltar for a scheduled port visit. The visit provided an opportunity for replenishment and support while the submarine continued her extended deployment. She subsequently resumed operations in the Mediterranean, including visits to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, which served as an important logistics and maintenance location for U.S. submarines operating in the region.

On May 28, 2022, Captain Geoffry Patterson relieved Captain Patrick Clark as commanding officer of GEORGIA's Blue Crew during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. During Clark's command, which had begun in April 2020, the crew had conducted extended deployments and numerous international strait transits. GEORGIA received the Battle Efficiency "E" awards for 2020 and 2021, along with departmental excellence awards and the 2020 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy.

On July 6, 2022, GEORGIA arrived at His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, Scotland, for a scheduled three-day port visit. The visit formed part of the submarine's continuing operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility and provided logistical support during the extended deployment. During the year, Navy reporting also documented GEORGIA's operations in the northern Atlantic, including waters near the Faroe Islands.

On September 22, 2022, GEORGIA returned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay after 790 days of forward deployment. During the deployment, the submarine had traveled more than 100,000 nautical miles while supporting operations in the areas of responsibility of U.S. Africa Command, Central Command and European Command. Her operations included transits of the Straits of Sicily, Gibraltar and Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, as well as visits to Souda Bay, Gibraltar, Oman, Diego Garcia, Faslane and Bahrain.

Throughout the extended deployment, GEORGIA's Blue and Gold Crews alternated through four crew exchanges at forward locations. While one crew operated the submarine overseas, the other returned to Kings Bay for training, leave and preparations for its next period aboard. The rotation system enabled GEORGIA to remain deployed for more than two years without returning to her homeport.

Following her return, GEORGIA underwent maintenance and operational preparations at Kings Bay. During 2023, she continued training and readiness activities as the Navy assessed the remaining service life of the four converted OHIO-class guided-missile submarines.

On January 12, 2024, Captain Geoffry Patterson was relieved of command of GEORGIA's Blue Crew by Rear Admiral Thomas R. Buchanan, Commander, Submarine Group 10, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command. Captain Christopher Osborn, commanding officer of the Gold Crew, assumed responsibility for the submarine. The Navy stated that the change of command had no impact on ongoing operations.

During the summer of 2024, GEORGIA operated in the Mediterranean under Commander, Task Force 69. On August 5, she completed a series of interoperability training events with Force Reconnaissance Marines from the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and special operations forces. The exercises involved the integration of submarine operations with special warfare personnel and demonstrated GEORGIA's ability to support the deployment and recovery of personnel during joint operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility.

On August 11, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed GEORGIA to proceed toward the Middle East amid increasing tensions involving Israel, Iran and regional armed groups. The movement was announced by the Pentagon on August 12 as part of a broader adjustment of U.S. naval forces in the region. At the same time, the aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) and her carrier strike group were directed to accelerate their transit toward the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

GEORGIA continued operations in the Mediterranean during August before proceeding toward the Middle East. During September, the submarine was reported to have transited the Suez Canal southbound following operations in the eastern Mediterranean and a port visit to Naples, Italy. Her deployment contributed additional conventional land-attack and special operations capabilities to U.S. naval forces operating in the region. GEORGIA operated independently of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, although both were part of the wider U.S. force deployment.

During 2025, GEORGIA remained involved in forward operations supporting U.S. Central Command. On June 21, the United States conducted Operation Midnight Hammer against Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The operation involved U.S. Air Force bombers and the launch of Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles from a U.S. Navy submarine operating in the region. GEORGIA was subsequently identified in defense reporting as the submarine that launched Tomahawks during the operation.

Following Operation Midnight Hammer, GEORGIA continued operational assignments in the region. During August 2025, she received logistical support at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia during another period of forward operations. Her continued deployment formed part of the Navy's efforts to maintain conventional strike capabilities in the Indian Ocean and Middle East as the OHIO-class SSGNs approached the end of their planned service lives.

In 2026, GEORGIA continued her final operational deployment as U.S. forces undertook further military operations against Iran. During Operation Epic Fury, which began in February 2026, American naval and air forces conducted extensive strikes against Iranian military targets. GEORGIA was subsequently identified as one of the U.S. Navy submarines that participated in the operation.

On July 27, 2026, GEORGIA returned to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay following her final operational patrol. The return marked the end of more than 42 years of service that had included 65 strategic deterrent patrols as a ballistic missile submarine and subsequent worldwide operations as a guided-missile submarine. The submarine's arrival was accompanied by a final surfacing evolution, marking the conclusion of her operational career at sea. Members of the crew and their families participated in events associated with the submarine's final return.

Following her arrival at Kings Bay, GEORGIA began preparations for inactivation. The Navy had originally scheduled her inactivation for July 31, 2026, as the first of the four converted OHIO-class guided-missile submarines to leave operational service. However, the Navy subsequently advised that the formal inactivation schedule had been extended and that GEORGIA was expected to remain at Kings Bay until a planned homeport change to Norfolk in July 2027 for inactivation at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

During the remaining months of 2026, GEORGIA's crew began preparations for the technical and administrative requirements associated with the submarine's retirement. These included the consolidation of personnel, preservation and removal of equipment, and planning for the eventual defueling and disposal of the nuclear-powered submarine. As of October 2026, GEORGIA had completed her final operational deployment and was undergoing preparations for inactivation, with her formal decommissioning date subject to the Navy's revised schedule.

Date	Where	Events
March 22, 1986	off Midway Island, Pacific	USS SECOTA (YTM 415) loses power and collides with the stern planes of USS GEORGIA and sinks just after completing a personnel transfer. Ten crew are rescued, but two drown. GEORGIA receives light damage and proceeds to Pearl Harbor, Hi., for repairs. A video of the accident can be found on YouTube.
November 7, 2003	Bangor, Wash.	While USS GEORGIA's Trident I C4 missiles were being removed at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific in Bangor, the handling team opened missile tube 16, lowered a ladder into the tube so a sailor could attach a hoist, and then left the ladder in place when they took a break. On returning, they began hoisting the missile without first removing the ladder. The missile's nose struck the ladder, which punctured a roughly nine-inch hole in the nose cone before the operation was halted. No nuclear warheads were breached and no radioactive material was released, but the missile was damaged. Three enlisted members of the handling team faced courts-martial, and SWFPAC was shut down for a comprehensive inspection, which it initially failed. The facility's commanding officer, Captain Keith Lyles, was relieved of command on December 19, 2003, followed by his executive officer, weapons officer, and command master chief. SWFPAC was reopened after passing inspection on January 9, 2004, under new leadership. USS GEORGIA's crew was not held responsible for the incident and the boat herself remained available for further work.
December 2010	Kings Bay, Ga.	During a routine inspection of USS GEORGIA's main reduction gears, a bolt was inadvertently left inside the gear housing. When the propulsion shaft was rotated during subsequent testing, crew members heard an abnormal "whump" sound but continued to operate the shaft at varying speeds over a period of days while attempting to diagnose the issue. The loose bolt caused progressive damage to the gears, ultimately resulting in approximately $2.2 million in damage and forcing the submarine into about three months of repairs in dry dock, delaying a planned deployment. A later Navy investigation concluded that the mishap was avoidable and cited failures in procedural compliance, supervision, and risk awareness. One officer and several enlisted sailors in the engineering department were disciplined, and several others received administrative measures.
November 25, 2015	off Kings Bay, Ga.	During the inbound transit to Kings Bay, USS GEORGIA struck a channel buoy and subsequently grounded, suffering damage to her exterior but with no reported compromise of the pressure hull. The submarine was placed in dry dock for inspection and repairs costing about $1 million. Following the investigation, the commanding officer of the Blue crew at the time, Captain David Adams, was relieved of command on January 4, 2016, by Rear Admiral Randy B. Crites for loss of confidence in his ability to command.

Date

Where

Events

March 22, 1986

off Midway Island, Pacific

USS SECOTA (YTM 415) loses power and collides with the stern planes of USS GEORGIA and sinks just after completing a personnel transfer. Ten crew are rescued, but two drown. GEORGIA receives light damage and proceeds to Pearl Harbor, Hi., for repairs. A video of the accident can be found on YouTube.

November 7, 2003

Bangor, Wash.

While USS GEORGIA's Trident I C4 missiles were being removed at Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific in Bangor, the handling team opened missile tube 16, lowered a ladder into the tube so a sailor could attach a hoist, and then left the ladder in place when they took a break. On returning, they began hoisting the missile without first removing the ladder. The missile's nose struck the ladder, which punctured a roughly nine-inch hole in the nose cone before the operation was halted. No nuclear warheads were breached and no radioactive material was released, but the missile was damaged. Three enlisted members of the handling team faced courts-martial, and SWFPAC was shut down for a comprehensive inspection, which it initially failed. The facility's commanding officer, Captain Keith Lyles, was relieved of command on December 19, 2003, followed by his executive officer, weapons officer, and command master chief. SWFPAC was reopened after passing inspection on January 9, 2004, under new leadership. USS GEORGIA's crew was not held responsible for the incident and the boat herself remained available for further work.

December 2010

Kings Bay, Ga.

During a routine inspection of USS GEORGIA's main reduction gears, a bolt was inadvertently left inside the gear housing. When the propulsion shaft was rotated during subsequent testing, crew members heard an abnormal "whump" sound but continued to operate the shaft at varying speeds over a period of days while attempting to diagnose the issue. The loose bolt caused progressive damage to the gears, ultimately resulting in approximately $2.2 million in damage and forcing the submarine into about three months of repairs in dry dock, delaying a planned deployment. A later Navy investigation concluded that the mishap was avoidable and cited failures in procedural compliance, supervision, and risk awareness. One officer and several enlisted sailors in the engineering department were disciplined, and several others received administrative measures.

November 25, 2015

off Kings Bay, Ga.

During the inbound transit to Kings Bay, USS GEORGIA struck a channel buoy and subsequently grounded, suffering damage to her exterior but with no reported compromise of the pressure hull. The submarine was placed in dry dock for inspection and repairs costing about $1 million. Following the investigation, the commanding officer of the Blue crew at the time, Captain David Adams, was relieved of command on January 4, 2016, by Rear Admiral Randy B. Crites for loss of confidence in his ability to command.

General Characteristics:	Keel Laid: April 7, 1979
	Launched: November 6, 1982
	Commissioned: February 11, 1984
	Builder: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, Groton, Conn.
	Propulsion system: one nuclear reactor
	Propellers: one
	Length: 560 feet (171 meters)
	Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters)
	Draft: 36,5 feet (11.1 meters)
	Displacement: Surfaced: approx. 16,765 tons Submerged: approx. 18,750 tons
	Speed: 20+ knots
	Armament: Tomahawk missiles, Mk-48 torpedoes, four torpedo tubes
	Homeport: Kings Bay, Georgia
	Crew: 17 Officers, 15 Chief Petty Officers and 122 Enlisted