FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Senate Approves Chambliss, Isakson Resolution Honoring 1,000 Ohio-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Deterrent Patrols

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised passage of a Senate Resolution they co-sponsored honoring the sailors of the United States Submarine Force upon the completion of 1,000 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrent patrols. The Senate unanimously approved the resolution Monday evening.

The Ohio-class, Trident submarines are based at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and Naval Submarine Base Bangor Washington. They carry Trident D5 missiles and provide strategic deterrence for the United States and our allies.

“Ballistic missile submarines have always been ready and vigilant, deterring anyone who might seek to do harm to the United States or our allies, due to the dedication and professionalism exhibited by the sailors of the U.S. Submarine Force.” said Chambliss. “These sailors and their families have my utmost support and appreciation for the many sacrifices they make on behalf of the security of our nation.”

"The inherent stealth, unparalleled firepower and nearly limitless endurance of the ballistic missile submarine help to deter any enemies that would seek to use force against the United States," Isakson said. "However, it is the dedication and commitment to excellence exhibited by the sailors such as those at Kings Bay who make the impressive achievements of the ballistic missile submarines possible."

This milestone marks the combined efforts and achievements of all of the submariners who have participated in deterrent patrols since the first patrol of USS Ohio (SSBN 726) in 1982.

###