USS Michigan Successfully Completes Sea Trials
By Team Submarine Public Affairs
PUGET SOUND, Wash. — USS Michigan (SSGN 727) returned to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility following a successful battery of sea trials on Nov. 20, marking a major milestone in the conversion process that is remaking four SSBNs into the most powerful conventionally armed submarines in the world.
Capt. Mark Bock, SSGN Program Manager (PMS 398) was pleased with the sea trials outcome. It’s very encouraging to see Michigan sweep sea trials. Weve done a lot of work in a very short period of time to get the boat ready to return to the fleet.
Sea trials are the final milestone in the SSGN conversion process. The trials involve the submarine and its crew performing numerous operational maneuvers in order to test its seaworthiness and combat readiness. The sea trials were the first time that the crew of the Michigan has been underway since the conversion process was completed.
The SSGN conversion process replaces the 24 Trident C-4 submarine launched ballistic missiles with up to 154 Tomahawk missiles. Additionally, the forward-most missile tubes are being converted into swimmer lock-in / lock-out chambers that can each accommodate either an Advanced SEAL Delivery System or a Dry Deck Shelter. These will be used to support the up to 66 Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel that can embark aboard the SSGNs for extended periods of time.
The Program was funded in 2002 and since then they have delivered two boats and successfully completed sea trials on a third,†said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, Program Executive Officer, Submarines. The Georgia delivery next year will mark the completion of the conversion efforts.
Delivery of these transformational ships to the Fleet on budget and on schedule, in only four years is a tremendous accomplishment. The reconfigurable nature of these boats ensures their relevance to the nation for the next 25 years, said Hilarides.
The entire team, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and the Program Office, the Admiral concluded, should be proud of their accomplishments.
Michigan is the third of four SSGN submarines to pass sea trials. USS Ohio (SSGN 726) and USS Florida (SSGN 728) returned to service in 2006. USS Georgia (SSGN 729) will rejoin the Fleet in 2007.