The USS Florida, the first Ohio-class submarine to fire Tomahawk missiles in combat, is preparing for retirement after decades of service. This submarine’s operational history, marked by extended patrols that pushed the boundaries of endurance, has been a testament to the U.S. Navy’s guided-missile capabilities. However, the impending retirement of the USS Florida comes amid broader challenges facing the Ohio-class submarines, including an ongoing crisis that has seen one such vessel complete a record-breaking 727-day patrol.
The Origins of the USS Florida
The USS Florida was commissioned as part of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine program in the late 1970s. Its initial conversion to a guided-missile submarine (SSGN) configuration was completed in the early 2000s, enhancing its strike capabilities. The submarine’s homeport is the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, where it played a crucial role in strategic deterrence missions during the Cold War era. The USS Florida is known for its class-specific design features, which contributed to its operational success.
Pioneering Tomahawk Combat Deployment
In 2010, the USS Florida made history by launching its first Tomahawk cruise missiles in combat against targets in Libya, supporting Operation Odyssey Dawn. This marked a significant technical achievement, as the submarine was capable of firing up to 154 Tomahawks from its 22 missile tubes, a capability unique to converted Ohio-class SSGNs. The first Tomahawk cruise missiles in combat demonstrated the vessel’s advanced operational capabilities.
Extended Patrols and Operational Limits
The USS Florida was involved in prolonged deployments that tested the endurance of both the crew and the submarine systems. These extended patrols contributed to the Ohio-class reputation for stealthy, long-duration missions. One standout case involved an Ohio-class submarine achieving a 727-day patrol, the longest in U.S. Navy history. This patrol involved continuous operations without standard resupply breaks, breaking all the rules and setting new standards for submarine endurance.
Challenges in Ohio-Class Sustainment
The U.S. Navy is currently facing a crisis with its Ohio-class submarines. Maintenance backlogs and aging infrastructure have delayed the return to service of multiple vessels. This crisis has now ‘arrived into port’ as of early 2025, impacting fleet readiness and forcing operational adjustments. The retirement of the USS Florida is part of this broader challenge facing the Ohio-class submarines.
The USS Florida’s Final Missions
After its pioneering Tomahawk deployment in 2010, the USS Florida continued to contribute to counterterrorism and regional deterrence in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific theaters. In the years leading up to its retirement, the submarine received several certifications and upgrades, including enhanced sonar systems and crew training protocols. The final missions of the USS Florida reflect its enduring operational significance.
Retirement and Decommissioning Process
The USS Florida is set to begin decommissioning procedures in the coming years as part of the Ohio-class phase-out. This process involves several environmental and logistical steps, including reactor defueling at a naval shipyard and potential conversion for training use. The retirement of the USS Florida marks the end of an era for this pioneering submarine.
Legacy of the Ohio-Class SSGNs
The USS Florida has had a significant influence on modern submarine warfare. Its Tomahawk firings set precedents for integrated strike operations, shaping the future of naval combat. The broader achievements of the Ohio-class submarines, such as the record-breaking 727-day patrol, demonstrate the exceptional resilience of these vessels, even when “breaking all the rules” in protocol. As the USS Florida prepares for retirement, its legacy continues to inspire the next generation of submarines.
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