BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) — Guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) arrived at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard June 14, to begin a major maintenance period after more than a year deployed overseas.

Michigan's return to the Pacific Northwest capped its second deployment since its conversion from a Trident ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in 2007.

"Both crews of Michigan can be proud of completing 14 months of forward deployed operations," said Capt. Jerry Logan, USS Michigan (Blue Crew) commanding officer. "This was truly a team effort."

Logan and the Blue Crew brought Michigan home from Pearl Harbor, where the submarine concluded its most recent operational period in late May. While in Hawaii, Michigan offloaded its dry deck shelter and conducted a crew turnover with Capt. Phil McLaughlin's Gold Crew handing the boat off to the Blue Crew.

Since its April 29, 2010, departure from its homeport of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, USS Michigan has been forward deployed to Guam, supporting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

During its deployment, Michigan made multiple port visits to Yokosuka, Japan, the home of the 7th Fleet; and Busan, Korea, where she was visited by Vice Adm. Hwang Ki Chul, commander of the Republic of Korea Fleet.

"Of course, I'm proud that the Blue Crew did their part in support of submarine reconnaissance missions, security engagement with the Republic of Korea Navy and was where she needed to be to further U.S. national security objectives," Logan said. "It's great to be back in Washington with our families."

Michigan also made history multiple times during its second deployment.

Last summer, Michigan and the three other converted SSBNs – USS Ohio (SSGN 726), USS Florida (SSGN 728) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) – were forward deployed simultaneously, a first for the Navy.

Michigan also became the first Bangor-based submarine to go smoke-free, with the Blue Crew extinguishing the smoking lamp at 7:27 a.m. July 27, 2010 – matching the sub's hull number.

And Michigan's Blue Crew capped 2010 by receiving the Battle Efficiency award for Submarine Squadron 19, signifying the highest level of battle readiness during the year.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 9, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.