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,y.p . . > - - . . - . - For lmmediate Release Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay 1063 USS Tennessee Ave Kings Bay, GA 31547 Contact Ed Buczek Office: 91 2-573-471 8 Cell: 91 2-674-681 8 State Flag Ends Journey across Georgia Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., - March 20, 2008 - A Georgia state flag that has traveled to every county in the state will arrive in Camden County, Thursday, March 27. The ambitious project undertaken by the Georgia Return to Service Committee, U.S. Navy League and the Georgia Regional Development Centers involved the entire state in welcoming home USS Georgia (SSGN 729) to Kings Bay. The final ceremony is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., at the USS George Bancroft Sail Exhibit located at the Franklin Gate entrance to the submarine base. Mr. Vernon Martin, lmmediate Past Executive Director for the Georgia Regional Development Center, Mr. Don Giles, Georgia Flag Project Coordinator and Capt. Ward Stevens, commanding officer of Kings Bay will provide remarks. The flag started its historic journey in North Georgia December 11, 2007, and will end at the 15gth and final ceremony at Kings Bay. The response to the project has been enthusiastic with all counties participating in ceremonial events that revealed patriotism is alive and well in the state and that Georgians are truly supportive of the men and women who serve in the Navy and all uniformed services. Commissioner Preston Rhodes, Chair of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, Mayor Burford Clark of Woodbine, Mayor Ken Smith of Kingsland, Mayor Rowland Eskridge of Saint Marys and Chairman Herbert Rowland of the Camden County Board of Education will be on hand to sign the log book that has traveled around the state with the flag. Governor Sonny Perdue will present the flag and logbook to Captain Brian Commanding Officer, USS Georgia at a Return to Service Ceremony March 28. "Bring the USS Georgia home" has echoed throughout the state for more than 14 years. An Ohio-Class submarine, Georgia is 560 feet in length, displaces over 18,000 tons submerged and can carry more than 154 crew members and up to 66 Special Operations Forces for sustained, long-endurance deployments. About the USS Georgia Flag Project and Return to Service Ceremony To learn more about the flag project and the return to service please visit www.ussaeoraia.org About Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the east coast homeport for the Ohio-class fleet ballistic-missile submarines and the only naval base in the Atlantic fleet capable of supporting the Trident II (D-5) missile. Established in 1978. the base is home to Submarine Group 10. Submarine Squadrons 16 & 20. Trident Training Facility, Trident Refit Facility, Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic, and other support-providing commands. In addition to being an integral part of our nation's strategic deterrence program, Kings Bay has attained and sustained award-winning results unsurpassed in Navy Region Southeast or other submarine and shore commands in the U.S. Navy. In 2007, Kings Bay was named the top naval installation in the Department of Defense when it received the Commander -in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award for its ability to sustain its mission, increase productivity and enhance quality of life. In addition, the award recognized the base's creative management, new ideas and leadership. Kings Bay also received the Occupational Health and Safety Administration's highest safety rating in the Voluntary Protection Program and the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations Safety Ashore Award for the third consecutive year. The dynamic military and civilian team continues to be active in the community. Kings Bay takes great pride in its mission and dedication to service; a base recognized for total commitment to innovation, quality of life, environmental awareness and community relations. Please visit our web site at htto:ilwww.subasekb.naw.mil