The Ohio-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN-731) is being moved "dead-stick" in the sound by a flotilla of tug boats with Mount Rainer in background. U.S. Navy photographed by Mr. Anthony Madina USS Alabama (SSBN 731) returned to Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor, May 14, after successfully completing their first at-sea period in two-and-a-half years, recertifying the ship during their sea trials.
The eight days at sea tested every aspect of the ship's integrity after their refueling overhaul and a Trident II (D5) missile system conversion from the older Trident I (C4) missile system.
"Everything went great, the crew preformed admirably and we got through the sea trials with no big issues," said Master Chief Missile Technician (SS) John Sutton, Alabama chief of the boat. "When we did have problems, the crew was quick to fix them. We got out there and got sea trials completed and got back in on schedule and on time with no issues, ready to go and fully certified."
This sea trial also marked 1,000 dives for Alabama.
Before their sea trials, the crew worked many long days preparing the ship for their first underway by doing fast cruises, where the crew stays tied to the pier but drills like they are actually at sea.
"Sea trials went great," said Cmdr. Todd Massidda, USS Alabama commanding officer. "We completed all things we needed to do to get the ship recertified to get back to an operational status and officially close out the shipyard period within two days of getting back. This was one of the most efficient sea trials to date. This was also a good sense of accomplishment for the crew, which was also needed."
During the sea trials they recertified the hull at test depth, their weapons systems, propulsion systems and also worked on their crew proficiency and training.
"Everybody was pretty excited. There were a lot of guys who have been here for two-plus years and had only been to sea with another boat," said Ensign Abe Cook, Alabama supply officer. "I think for a lot of people it was exciting to see their work, which could be very painful and time consuming, was turned into the boat going out and having a very successful run. It showed these guys their two years of hard work were not lost."
Alabama will undergo more system upgrades and certifications to be ready for a full patrol in about one year.
"This was an extremely intense evolution, there were hundreds and hundreds of man hours of work that needed to be completed in a short period of time." said Missile Technician 1st Class (SS) Jonathan Vannoy, Alabama missile technician leading petty officer. "Our hard work paid off. Our system performed exactly as it was designed to."