The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia returns to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, after a 790-day forward-deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen)

The US Navy announced in a statement that on January 12, 2024, Commander, Submarine Group Ten, Rear Adm. Thomas “T.R.” Buchanan, relieved Capt. Geoffry Patterson as commanding officer of USS Georgia (SSGN 729) Blue Crew due to loss of confidence in his ability to command.

The USS Georgia is homeported at King’s Bay, Georgia. According to data from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, where King’s Bay is located, Patterson was arrested in the early hours of Jan. 9 on charges including driving under the influence and improper lane change, reports Military.com.  According to the sheriff’s website, Patterson was released on bond after a payment of more than $1,800.

Patterson took command of the submarine’s blue crew in May 2022. The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia‘s last deployment appears to have wrapped up shortly after that, in September 2022. The submarine had been forward-deployed for more than two years — 790 days.

The Navy currently has four guided-missile submarines that were converted from Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. Instead of nuclear missiles, the four boats instead carry up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and train to deliver special operations forces on covert missions.

Each Navy ballistic and guided-missile submarine has two sets of crews, blue and gold. They take turns manning the submarines and taking them on patrol.

The Navy said that Capt. Christopher Osborn, the commanding officer of USS Georgia gold crew, is now in charge of the boat and noted that “there is no impact to operations.”