USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729)
History of the USS GEORGIA
(SSGN 729)
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.
More History
Official Navy web site for USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729)
Another web site for USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729)
Wikipedia entry for USS GEORGIA, includes links to the battleship (USS GEORGIA (BB 15) and two Confederate ships which sailed under the name CSS GEORGIA
Wikipedia entry for the the USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729)
History of the battleship USS GEORGIA (BB 15), commissioned in 1906
Another history of the battleship
Naval Historical Center history of the battleship
Naval Vessel Register listing for USS GEORGIA (SSGN 729)
Photos taken by a midshipman aboard the battleship while on tour as part of "The Great White Fleet" President Teddy Roosevelt sent around the world in 1908. Explore the entire Great White Fleet site for a great history lesson.
Photo of the battleship USS GEORGIA's bell at GA Tech. The Georgia Tech Naval ROTC building contains many other USS GEORGIA battleship artifacts including an eagle figurehead from the bow, two large metal gates which were cast from the metal of her hull, various items from her bridge, and the 4-in. gun used for training
Photos of the SSBN from NavSource Naval History
Photos of the SSGN from NavSource Naval History, including some of the Return to Service ceremony
History of the side wheel steamer USS State of Georgia (1851 - 1866)