VALDOSTA — The Georgia state flag to be presented to the state’s namesake nuclear submarine made Lowndes County its 135th stop among counties of Georgia Monday and was welcomed by David Boyd’s rendition of the National Anthem.

March 28 was declared USS Georgia Day in Lowndes County. Lowndes County has an exceptionally supportive relationship with all the military services based in and around Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, according to the proclamation of Lowndes County. The Kings Bay welcome celebration for the USS Georgia on March 28 will feature a flag presentation by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

“It’s a great ship and a great addition to our national defense,” said Lowndes County Board of Commissioners Chairman Rod Casey after reading the proclamation.

Now a guided missile submarine, the USS Georgia ported in Norfolk, Va., for two and a half years. Measuring as long as the Washington Monument, the USS Georgia is one of four ships converted from a ballistic missile submarine.

National Director of the Navy League of the United States Golden Isles Council and Captain Robert C. Morrison said, “We’re all proud and fortunate to have her back. This is a huge economic benefit for our national defense to have her in Georgia.”

One of Lowndes County’s very own is aboard the USS Georgia, Nuclear Electrician and Throttleman Joel Humphrey, 24. Humphrey’s mother, Brenda, wife, Casey, sister, Meredith of the Public Defenders Office, and his grandmother were all in attendance to celebrate his success.

“It’s exciting and scary at the same time. I’m very proud of him and all the sailors because they’ve put in a lot of hours and worked very hard,” said Casey Humphrey, who is expecting the couple’s first child, a boy, in June. The Return to Service festivities, showcasing the Navy’s submarine force, including the USS Georgia, will take place March 28 at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.