Congratulations on your orders to USS OHIO (SSGN 726). OHIO is the lead ship of the OHIO Class Trident Ballistic Missile Submarines and also the first in its class to be selected for conversion to SSGN, the Navy's newest and most lethal platform. As a crewmember of USS OHIO, you will be joining an elite group of submarine warriors known as the "First and Finest."

 OHIO is home ported at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington just across the water from the "Emerald City" of Seattle. Government housing for married personnel is available, but you should be aware that the wait could be as long as up to four to six months. In the meantime, there are reasonably priced rental properties, both apartments and single-family homes, available in the local community. If you are single you can live in the barracks or you may choose to live out in town.

  Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance to support your move and assignment to OHIO. Key phone numbers are as follows:

 Western Washington has a very moderate climate without extremes in either the summer or winter months (but it does rain quite a bit from Fall to Spring). With the Olympic mountain range to the west and the Cascades to the east, activities for the outdoorsman are abundant, while Seattle, Tacoma, and the local communities provide a wealth of cultural and entertainment opportunities. You should be pleased to have orders to such a beautiful and accommodating community.

 Our standards on OHIO are among the highest you will find anywhere in the Submarine Force, with a pride of accomplishment to match. Your first priority after getting settled into the community and checked onboard will be to complete qualifications and/or re-qualifications. A plan, tailored to your experience level and previous qualifications will be developed for you after your arrival. A challenging and very rewarding tour awaits you onboard OHIO. I am pleased to welcome you to the Pacific Northwest and to the OHIO team.

B. A. McIlvaine

 For further information about duty and life in the Pacific Northwest, please visit the Commander Navy Region Northwest web site.

Comments or Feedback should be sent to Site Manager
 Please add the page name or subject to your subject line in the message