USS Florida (SSGN-728 / SSBN-728)

History

USS Florida (SSGN-728) is one of the modern U.S. Navy's Ohio-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, renowned for their considerable firepower and performance capabilities. Originally intended to be part of a larger fleet of 24 submarines, the class was eventually scaled down to 18 active vessels. Despite this reduction, USS Florida remains a prominent asset in the Navy's inventory, stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, and boasting nearly four decades of faithful service since its commissioning in 1983.

Equipped with a nuclear reactor powering geared turbines, USS Florida can reach speeds exceeding 25 knots underwater and boasts an impressive arsenal, including torpedo tubes and 154 BGM-109 Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles. Its design adheres to the Ohio-class standard, featuring a tubular hull with a blunt cap and tapered stern section, as well as midship-forward fins/sails housing the cruise missile stock Vertical Launch System (VLS). Additionally, the submarine's critical components, such as the reactor and power plant, are strategically located amidships.

Throughout its operational history, USS Florida has played pivotal roles in various military campaigns, including the Western-led coalition task force during Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya in 2011, where its cruise missiles achieved a remarkable 97% accuracy rate. Moreover, it has demonstrated deterrence capabilities, such as deploying alongside sister ships USS Ohio and USS Michigan to display force against China following a missile test in the East China Sea. Today, USS Florida stands ready to defend American interests abroad as part of the U.S. Navy's formidable naval force.

Specification

Basic

Year of Service: 1983

Origins: United States

Status: In service

Class: Ohio Class

Class Size: 18

Operators: United States

Roles

Underwater Attack: Travel below the surface to find, track and/or attack or explore areas.

Sea Patrol: Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Fleet Support: Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 560.0 feet (170.69 m)

Ray: 42.0 feet (12.80 m)

Draft: 38. 0 feet (11.58 m)

Shift: 16,765 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: 1 x S8G PWR nuclear reactor powers 2 x steam turbines producing 60,000 hp and driving 1 x axle; 1 x 325 hp auxiliary engine.

Surface Velocity: 12.0 nodes (13.8 km/h)

Underwater speed: 25. 0 nodes (28.8 km/h)

Weapons

4 x 21" (533 mm) torpedo tubes.

22 x Vertical Launch System (VLS) units and 154 x BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles