as of november 2002, "florida" had successfully completed 61 strategic deterrent patrols. she won the battle e in 1989, 1991, 1994, 1999, and 2002. in 1991, she won the marjorie sterrett battleship fund award. in 1997, "florida"s skipper, commander michael j. alfonso, was relieved of command "because he had been unable to foster an effective command team so necessary to the success of the u.s. submarine force."