This beforehand unusual underway change of crew demonstrates how the Navy and its strategic forces have advanced to suppose, act, and function otherwise with a view to meet deterrent mission tasking whereas concurrently executing needed ship lifecycle occasions.
“This occasion demonstrated our capability to utterly change out the crew of an SSBN at sea and in a location of our selecting,” stated Rear Adm. Robert M. Gaucher, commander Submarine Group 9 and Job Group 114.3. “The readiness and adaptability we demonstrated right this moment provides one other layer of uncertainty to adversary efforts to watch our SSBN pressure, and continues to ship a powerful message to our adversaries that ‘At present will not be the day.’”
Every ballistic missile submarine has two crews, a blue crew and a gold crew, which alternate manning. Beforehand, the crews would alternate and resupply between patrols whereas in port. The flexibility to alter crews whereas underway provides a brand new dynamic of flexibility and sustainability whereas the submarine is executing their mission.
“This supplies a chance to maintain the nuclear deterrent at sea survivable by exchanging the crews and replenishing the ship’s provides in any port or location the world over,” stated Capt. Kelly Laing, director of maritime operations at Commander, Job Group 114.3. “Our SSBNs are now not tied to their homeport of report or one other naval port to maintain them at sea, guaranteeing that we’re at all times executing the deterrent mission for the U.S. and our allies.”
Alabama is one in all eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and the eighth U.S. Navy ship to bear the identify. The category is designed for prolonged, undetectable deterrent patrols and as a launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles.
