USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729)
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History of the USS GEORGIA

USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729) is the fourth TRIDENT Class Nuclear Powered Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine and the third ship to bear the name of this grand state, one of the thirteen original states of the union.

The keel for USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729) was laid on 7 April 1979 and was presided over by First Lady Rosalyn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, both Georgia natives.  Mrs. Carter's initials can still be seen on the ship's keel.

On 5 November 1982, USS GEORGIA was launched by Mrs. Sheila Watkins, wife of Admiral James D. Watkins, Chief of Naval Operations, who served as the Commissioning Officer during USS GEORGIA's commissioning ceremony held on 11 February 1984 at the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory, New London, Connecticut.

In November 1984, USS GEORGIA arrived in her home port of Bangor, Washington.  In January 1985, she started her first strategic deterrent patrol.  USS GEORGIA was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for operations from September 1983 to May 1986.  She was awarded her second Meritorious Unit Commendation for operations from February to August 1986.  USS GEORGIA was awarded the Commander, Submarine Squadron 17 Battle Efficiency "E" in 2001.

While serving in  the Pacific Fleet, USS GEORGIA conducted 65 strategic deterrent patrols.  A key element of our nation's strategic deterrent forces, she continued the proud tradition established by her predecessors.

In October 2004, USS GEORGIA was re-designated to SSGN after the successful completion of exercise "Silent Hammer," the SSGN proof-of-concept operation.

In February 2005, USS GEORGIA entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a scheduled Engineered Refueling Overhaul and conversion to SSGN.

In December 2007,  USS GEORGIA departed Norfolk, Virginia for her new home in Kings Bay, Georgia.