By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jermaine Ralliford, Commander, Naval Forces Korea
The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) (Blue) arrived at Busan, April 25, for a routine visit during a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. During the visit Sailors will experience the culture and history of the ROK, as well as foster outstanding relations between the U.S. Navy, ROK military and the local Busan community.
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“This visit is yet another example of the steadfast ROK and U.S. naval partnership,” said Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea. “We [U.S. and ROK navies] work closely with one another every day of the year and this well-deserved port visit is a chance for Michigan Sailors to enjoy the wonderful Busan culture that U.S. Navy Korea Sailors experience each and every day.”
USS Michigan is one of four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines. The Navy’s guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, guided-missile submarines are capable of launching missile strikes and supporting Special Operation Forces (SOF) missions.
“This crew has displayed incredible professionalism and dedication throughout this deployment,” Capt. Joe Turk, Michigan’s commanding officer, said. “Every Sailor understands the importance of our mission and every one of them is dedicated to ensuring that mission is a success. I simply cannot be more proud of their service.”
Measuring more than 560 feet long and weighing more than 18,000 tons when submerged, Michigan is one of the largest submarines in the world.
“We are looking forward to a chance meet up with our ROKN [Republic of Korea Navy] partners and learn about the culture of Korea, for the first time for many of us, myself included,” said Turk.
Michigan is the second submarine of the Ohio-class of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and guided missile submarines (SSGNs), and the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. Michigan is homeported in Bremerton, Washington and is forward deployed from Guam.
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