USS Michigan (SSBN-727)

USS Michigan (SSBN-727) is an Ohio-class submarine and the third vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the 26th state. Commissioned in 1982, she was originally built as a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) armed with Trident I nuclear missiles. In the early 21st century, she underwent a conversion to become a guided missile submarine (SSGN), gaining the capability to carry up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles and support special operations forces.

Construction and commissioning

The contract to build USS Michigan was awarded to the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, on February 28, 1977. Her keel was laid down on April 4, 1977, at the Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island. Following construction, she was launched on April 26, 1980, sponsored by Mrs. G. S. G. "Pete" Williams, wife of United States Secretary of the Navy John Lehman. The vessel was officially commissioned into the United States Navy on September 11, 1982, with Captain James B. Wilson commanding the Blue Crew and Commander Ernest D. Garcia commanding the Gold Crew.

Design and specifications

As an Ohio-class submarine, USS Michigan was designed for extended strategic deterrent patrols. Her original configuration featured 24 launch tubes for Lockheed Martin UGM-96 Trident I submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Following her conversion to an SSGN at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, her missile tubes were reconfigured to carry seven Tomahawk missiles each, along with accommodations for SEAL delivery vehicles and other special operations equipment. The submarine displaces approximately 18,750 tons submerged, measures 560 feet in length, and is powered by a General Electric S8G nuclear reactor driving two steam turbines.

Operational history

After commissioning, USS Michigan began her strategic deterrent patrols from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia and later Naval Submarine Base Bangor in Washington. She completed numerous patrols as part of the United States Strategic Command's nuclear triad. In 2003, she entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for her extensive SSGN conversion, which was completed in 2007. As a guided missile submarine, her homeport shifted to Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton. She has since deployed to the Western Pacific, participating in exercises like Foal Eagle and operating in areas such as the South China Sea. In 2017, she made a historic port visit to Busan, South Korea, following tensions with North Korea.

Ohio-class submarine

USS Michigan is a member of the Ohio class, the largest submarines ever built for the United States Navy. The class was conceived during the Cold War as a successor to the Benjamin Franklin-class submarine and Lafayette-class submarine to counter the Soviet Navy's Delta-class submarine. Fourteen units were constructed as SSBNs, with the four oldest, including USS Michigan, later converted to SSGNs under the SSGN Tactical Trident program. The remaining boats continue the strategic deterrent mission, now armed with Trident II missiles. The class is renowned for its quieting technology, endurance, and significant role in U.S. nuclear strategy.

Command and crew

Like all U.S. ballistic missile submarines, USS Michigan operates with two complete, rotating crews—the Blue Crew and the Gold Crew—to maximize operational availability. Each crew, consisting of about 15 officers and 140 enlisted sailors, alternates on approximately 70- to 90-day patrols. Command of each crew is held by a Captain selected through the Submarine Command Course. Notable former commanding officers include Rear Admiral Charles A. Richard, who later served as Commander of United States Strategic Command. The crew's training is conducted at facilities like Naval Submarine Base New London and the Trident Training Facility in Bangor.

Category:Ohio-class submarines Category:Ships built in Rhode Island Category:1982 ships