Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen embark the Ohio-class submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) for a 24 hour underway guided tour. The Midshipmen have come together from universities across the country to participate in the annual Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) program. The purpose of the tour was to help familiarize midshipmen with the operations and mission of the submarine community by allowing them to participate in training exercises while underway. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Martin (RELEASED) KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- USS Alaska (SSBN 732) arrived at her new homeport in Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., April 1, after completing a 26-month refueling overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Family and friends lined pier to welcome the crew home.
"The officers and crew of USS Alaska are excited to arrive in Kings Bay and Camden County and to return Alaska to operational status," said Master Chief Petty Officer (SS) Eric McAllister, USS Alaska chief of the boat. "We look forward to the challenges and missions the Navy will task us with in the future."
In the last few years the Navy has looked closely at the valuable Ohio-class, Trident missile submarines. In 2004, work began on converting four of the oldest Tridents to the new guided missile submarines with Tomahawk missile configuration. As the SSGNs began to return to active service, the need to balance the number of SSBN and SSGN submarines on each coast.
The decision was made, that after being assigned to Bangor, Wash., for 20 years, Alaska would change its homeport to Kings Bay.
"We are looking forward to a long and enjoyable stay in Kings Bay," said Cmdr. Paul Haebler, commanding officer USS Alaska (SSBN 732).
The "Kodiak Tough" Alaska will increase the number of SSBNs homeported in Kings Bay to six, with USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) currently at Norfolk Naval Shipyard undergoing its refueling overhaul.
Alaska is the seventh Trident Ohio-class nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarine and the fourth United States Navy ship to bear the name of the state. Alaska was commissioned January 25, 1986 and has conducted 59 strategic deterrent patrols.
Alaska was commissioned Jan. 25, 1986 and has conducted 59 strategic deterrent patrols