BANGOR, Wash. (May 22, 2015) The combined Blue and Gold crews of USS Alabama (SSBN 731) form a human “30” following a ceremony commemorating the ship’s 30th anniversary at Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor. Originally, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines were to be decommissioned at 30 years, however, due to the development of the Ohio-class replacement, they’re now projected to serve for 42 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada/Released)
