"florida" was launched on 14 november 1981 sponsored by mrs. marcia m. carlucci, wife of then deputy secretary of defense frank carlucci. the reactor was initially taken critical on 13 november 1982; the ship went into service and the crew moved onboard on 21 january 1983. "florida" commenced initial builders' sea trials on 21 february 1983 and was subsequently delivered to the navy on 17 may 1983, 43 days ahead of schedule. she was commissioned on 18 june 1983, with captain william l. powell in command of the blue crew and captain george r. sterner in command of the gold crew.