This post was written by Rear Admiral Barry L. Bruner, Commander Submarine Group Ten, in anticipation of the homecoming of USS Florida (SSGN 728) April 29.
USS Florida (SSGN 728), returns home from deployment today. She’s been gone for over 14 months, worked for three different Combatant Commanders, and successfully completed every mission assigned. It is amazing to think about the conversion of Florida from a strategic deterrent to a Special Operations and Guided-missile submarine – a tremendous adaptation to the changing strategic environment. Her success, which culminated in her superb support to operation Odyssey Dawn, certainly validates the decision made almost ten years ago to convert the first four Ohio class submarines rather than decommission them.
But as good a ship as Florida is – it’s her crew (both Blue and Gold crews) and their families that deserve our thanks. I will be on the pier to greet them later today and would ask you to come too – to welcome them back too as you run into Florida’s crew members and families. BZ to them for a superb deployment – and Welcome Home!!!
The guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728)
