US Navy’s Tomahawk missile submarine heads into retirement after four decades of service

A prized Ohio-class guided-missile submarine has returned to its home base after completing the final mission before its scheduled retirement, following more than four decades of service. First commissioned on February 11, 1984, the US Navy’s USS Georgia (SSGN 729) is based out of Kings Bay, Georgia, part of the strategic nuclear deterrent forces in the US Atlantic Fleet. The submarine transited the East River, as it returned to its homeport on Monday, July 27. After 42 years in service, the vessel leaves behind a legacy as one of the Navy’s most capable conventionally armed strike platforms. The US Navy announced it would inactivate it on July 31, 2026. The US Navy said its final voyage is complete. “This marks the submarine’s final return from operations before officially commencing her scheduled inactivation process on July 31 after 42 years of active service.” End of service USS Georgia was initially built as an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). However, it then underwent a major conversion into a guided-missile submarine (SSGN). Completed in 2008, this conversion transformed it into one of only four Ohio-class submarines made to carry huge numbers of precision-strike weapons, while also supporting special operation missions. An Ohio-class submarine is a nuclear-powered vessel built for the US Navy. It can remain hidden underwater for months in order to deter global conflicts. The class includes 18 submarines, among which are 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and four guided-missile submarines (SSGNs). Each is 560 feet (171 meters) long and is operated by a crew of about 155 sailors. The USS Georgia at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, July 27, 2026.Credit: U.S. Navy / Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Travis S. Alston The submarine is reportedly capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. It reportedly makes it one of the most heavily armed submarines ever operated by the US Navy. The submarine can also deploy special operations forces using dry deck shelters and underwater delivery vehicles. Additionally, it acts as a covert command-and-control platform during complex missions. Its firepower, intelligence capabilities, and special operations support have turned it into one of the Navy’s most sought-after submarines for global missions. End of an era According to TWZ, the USS Georgia will become the first of the Navy’s four Ohio-class guided missile submarines to leave active service. The remaining boats, USS Ohio, USS Florida, and USS Michigan, are currently scheduled for retirement over the next several fiscal years. The retirements are set to leave a huge capability gap. Newer Virginia-class Block V attack submarines, equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), will raise missile capacity. However, they will still carry fewer cruise missiles than an Ohio-class SSGN. The USS Georgia passes Mount Vesuvius after a port visit to Naples, Italy.Credit: U.S. Navy / Petty Officer 1st Class John Parker Each Virginia Block V submarine is expected to carry up to 40 Tomahawk missiles, compared with the Ohio-class SSGN’s maximum capacity of 154. The new vessels will introduce the ability to launch future Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles. At the same time, the Navy keeps developing the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine to replace the aging Ohio-class nuclear deterrent fleet. According to the Navy, USS Georgia’s final return to Kings Bay symbolizes the beginning of the end for one of the Navy’s most versatile submarine classes. Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her work has appeared in Daily Mail, Mirror, Daily Star, Yahoo, NationalWorld, Newsweek, Press Gazette and others. She covers stories on batteries, wind energy, sustainable shipping and new discoveries. When she's not chasing the next big science story, she's traveling, exploring new cultures, or enjoying good food with even better wine.