US Navy Decommissions USS Miami after Almost 24 Years of Service

The U.S. Navy formally decommissioned Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755), on March 28, during an indoor ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.

Past and present crew members, their families and other invited guests attended the event.

“Admiral, the watch is secured,” reported Miami’s skipper Cmdr. Rolf Spelker to Submarine Group 2 commander Rear Adm. Ken Perry, marking the end of the ship’s nearly 24-year journey.

“Every once in a while a ship earns a waterfront reputation as a ‘hot boat.’ Miami earned that reputation early and kept it going,” said Perry, the guest speaker. “Miami’s journey has been unprecedented and unique, and today we show our gratitude and pride.”

Miami was commissioned June 30, 1990 as the Navy’s 44th Los Angeles-class submarine and the fifth ship of the “improved” 688-class. She was built with an improved sonar and weapon control system, 12 vertical launch system tubes, and full under-ice capability – embodying the most modern design and construction of her time.

During more than a dozen deployments over the past two decades, Miami fully employed her capabilities while operating in maritime regions near North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Miami was America’s first nuclear-powered submarine to transit the Suez Canal during her second deployment in 1994.

Miami’s first commanding officer, retired Capt. Thomas Mader, delivered the keynote address.

“As leaders, I believe we are judged for our response to the challenges we face, and our legacy is found in the state of readiness of the crew we leave behind,” said Mader.

He also pointed out that many in Miami’s plankowner wardroom went on to assume submarine command. Eight members achieved the rank of captain and two became flag officers.

Spelker later highlighted contributions by the ship’s 11 commanding officers and hundreds of crewmen who operated Miami over the years.

“Miami redefined the possibilities of submarine warfare,” said Spelker.

Miami is currently undergoing an inactivation process the Navy announced last fall. Her crew of 111 officers and enlisted personnel will all be reassigned to other units by December.

Sixty-two Los Angeles-class attack submarines were constructed from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s. Forty-one are presently in active service.

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Press Release, March 31, 2014, Image: US Navy