History of USS Michigan (SSGN-727) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 11, 2025

USS Michigan (SSGN-727) is an Ohio-class submarine in the United States Navy. Initially a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), it was converted into a guided missile submarine (SSGN). It is the third U.S. Navy vessel named after the state of Michigan.

September 1982: USS Michigan Commissioned

In September 1982, the USS Michigan (SSGN-727) was commissioned at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut.

March 1983: Michigan Arrives in Bangor, Washington

In March 1983, the USS Michigan arrived in Bangor, Washington, after its commissioning.

June 2007: Michigan Converted to SSGN

In June 2007, the USS Michigan was converted to an SSGN at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and its hull classification symbol changed from SSBN-727 to SSGN-727.

November 2008: Michigan Begins Post-Conversion Deployment

In November 2008, the USS Michigan began its first deployment after being converted to an SSGN, including numerous missions and theater security cooperation engagements with Pacific Rim nations. This deployment ended December 2009.

December 2009: Michigan Returns to Naval Base Kitsap

In December 2009, the USS Michigan returned to Naval Base Kitsap, completing its first deployment after the SSGN conversion. The deployment began November 2008.

June 2010: Michigan Involved in US Response to Chinese Missile Testing

On 28 June 2010, the USS Michigan was one of three Ohio-class submarines involved in a US response to Chinese missile testing in the contested East China Sea. The Michigan surfaced simultaneously with the USS Ohio and USS Florida in the waters of South Korea, the Philippines, and the British Indian Ocean Territory, respectively.

2011: First Female Officer on Submarine

In 2011, the first female officer served on a submarine.

August 2016: First Enlisted Female Sailor Earns Submarine Qualification on Michigan

In August 2016, CSC Dominique Saavedra embarked aboard the USS Michigan and became the first enlisted female sailor to have earned her submarine qualification while serving on a U.S. Navy submarine. The USS Michigan was the first boat specially modified with separate accommodations for enlisted female crew.

April 2017: Michigan Docks at Busan Naval Base, South Korea

In April 2017, the USS Michigan docked at Busan Naval Base, South Korea, during a time of heightened tensions with North Korea. The Michigan later joined the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group in the Sea of Japan for exercises. The Michigan was photographed with a dry deck shelter mounted on it.

June 2023: Michigan Returns to Busan Naval Base

On 15 June 2023, the day after North Korea fired two short-range missiles off its east coast, the USS Michigan returned to Busan Naval Base, South Korea. The visual display of the submarine, again with a mounted dry deck shelter, was intended to demonstrate the US resolve to support and protect South Korea against North Korea's recent aggression.