Benjamin Franklin class (1964)

Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (1962-66), service 1965-1999: (SSBN-616-659).

Cold War US Subs

GUPPY | Barracuda class | Tang class | USS Darter | T1 class | X1 class | USS Albacore | Barbel class

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USS Nautilus | USS Seawolf | Migraine class | Sailfish class | Triton class | Skate class | USS Tullibee | Skipjack class | Permit class | Sturgeon class | Los Angeles class | Seawolf class | Virginia class

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Fleet Snorkel SSGs | Grayback class | USS Halibut | Georges Washington class | Ethan Allen class | Lafayette class | James Madison class | Benjamin Franklin class | Ohio class | Colombia class

The Benjamin Franklin is considered a sub-class of the larger Lafayette class, an evolution of the previous Ethan Allen class, based on the Goerges Washington class made as a stretched and modified version of the Skipjack class SSNs. With the sub-class James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin made the most important contribution of the “41 for Freedom” nuclear deterrent force in late 1980s until replacement by the Ohio class. The Benjamin Franklin had specifics and design changes compared to the Lafayettes, but its own differences with the Madisons were moderate. #ussjamesmadison #usnavy #unitedsttesnavy #ssbn #strategicsubmarines #usdeterrence #trident #coldwar

From the Lafayette to the Franklins

The Lafayettes are considered a “superclass” with a lineage of constant, homogeneous designs up to USS Will Rogers (SSBN-659) completed at General Dynamics Electric Boat on 1st April 1967. USS Ohio was laid down in April 1976 so a decade after with the new context of post-Vietnam budget restriction under the Nixon/Ford administrations and reevaluation of the submarine deterrence component. All 31 submarines of the superclass made the bulk of the US ballistic submarine nuclear deterrence force and provided the mpst credible “backup” in the US deterrence policy, especially after both land sites (considered too easy to determine) and bombers were considered obsolete. They went from usable tools of “second strike”, the prime deterrent asset of the Unitesd States as a whole.
The Lafayette were part of the Polaris programme, carrying the A2, then Polaris A3 whereas the Madison and Franklin classes were designed for the Polaris A3 from the start and later evolved into Trident class SSBNs.

Development of the Franklin class

The Benjamin Franklin class as ballistic missile submarines were in service from 1965 to 1999, with another dsicarded in 2002. It was an evolutionary development from the James Madison class but with even quieter machinery and many detailed improvements, so for most authors thay are considered a separate class. In this was a further branching out with the completely re-engineered SSBN-640 class, the first of which was USS George C. Marshall, which were built under the new SUBSAFE rules written and detailed after the loss of USS Thresher whereas other classes completed prior, had to be retrofitted to this SUBSAFE standard (more detailed below). The Benjamin Franklin class in other publications are merged with the James Madison class on the ground of their Trident missile use.

Cutaway, Yard 1966 launching presentation booklet

The Franklin class still followed the Madison and Lafayettes in generak principle: The hull was identical, and derived from the Ethan Allens, fitted with the Polaris A-2 missile, stretched and reworked. The missile “hump” was more generous, better shaped to reach greater levels of hydodynamic stealthiness and efficience. The goal was essentially to fit ballistic missile tubes broad enough t fit the much better Polaris A-3. USS Daniel Webster was the trailblazer for this new ballistic missile and proved that the “minin sail” was not a solution. By the mid-1970s these were converted to fire the larger Poseidon C3 ballistic missile, quite a formidable improvement in range, based on a greater size and weight. But just as the Lafayettes, the Madison and Benjamin Franklin classes could be fitted with Trident I (C4) missiles. The reasons only these adopted this new ballistic missile was based on budget concerns, that late in the life of these SSBNs, and disarmament treaties (SALT). Fomr the Lafayettes onwards, all had the same hovering system to regulate trim when firing missiles for a salvo of four per minute.

Design of the class

The Benjamin Franklin-class were designed from the start to launch the Polaris A-3 ballistic missile, and proved easy to convert to the Poseidon C-3 missile. Up to the early 1980s, six of this class were modified to operate the Trident I (C-4) missile, as well as six James Madison-class: USS Benjamin Franklin, Simon Bolivar, George Bancroft, Henry L. Stimson, Francis Scott Key, and Mariano G. Vallejo.
This was as said above the first SSBN class designed to integrate SUBSAFE standards. The latter implied a certification on Design, Material, Fabrication, and Testing. Exact procedures are documented in initial design and construction, confirmed via routine maintenance in naval depots, and precised in the fleet maintenance manual to operate them. At each step, quality evidence is collected and reviewed, then approved, stored alll along each SSBN career, a process reinforced with external and internal audits to avoid complacency. This was a heavy process which took time, but made the Navy accountable to avoid in he future any loss of a submarine, ever.
On this, the Franklin class did not started from naught, but the SUBSAFE related equipment was similar to the Sturgeon-class fast attack submarines built in parallel. The Ben Franklin class were also distinguished by their fairwater planes placed halfway up the sail instead of in the upper front portion of the sail as in previous designs. Other than that, they were pretty similar.

Two were later deactivated as SSBNs due to SALT and converted for the delivery of up to 66 SEALs and other Special Operations Forces. With SALT II and construction of new Ohio-class ballistic missile submarinese, Kamehameha and James K. Polk had their tubes disabled aftter an overhaul conversion, became standard attack submarines with new SSN hull classifications. The difference with regular SSNs was the addition of dry deck shelters to accommodate SEAL Delivery Vehicles among other spec ops payloads. Thi also explains why they were decommissioned last, Kamehameha in 2003 and Polk in 2000, whereas the others were deactivated and sent to recycling between 1994 and 1998.

Hull and general design

The Ben Franklin class like the previous boats had an extra section to better accommodate maintenance and crew needs with a stretch from 410 ft 4 in (125.07 m) to 425 ft (130 m) and displacement at 7,325 long tons (7,443 t) Submerged: 8,251 long tons (8,383 t) versus 6,946/7,884 on the Ethan Allens. Beam was even reduced slightly to regain speed at 33 ft (10 m) just 1/10th feet less. Draft was also reduced at 28 ft 6 in (8.69 m) versus 29 ft 10 in (9.09 m).
The hulls all had identical ratios from the bow to the fin, a bit taller, and aft of the rworked “hump” forward to the tail. Silos were large and the vertical tail taller to compensate for the greater le,ght-t-beam ration. Dive planes were on the sail and reshaped and the main water ingress scoops were located inside a “trench” running below the hump amidship. The section was reworked to avoid bubbles and be completely silent when sucking water/blowing air.

Powerplant

The Lafayette/Madison/Franklin used the same powerplant as on the Ethan Allen was, the S5W PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor), and same geared steam turbines rated for 15,000 shp (11,000 kW), on a single shaft. With the increased displacement and dimensions, top speed was 16 knots (30 km/h) surfaced, 21 knots (39 km/h) submerged (The Ethan Allen had 22 knots (41 km/h) submerged). Test depth was unchanged at 1,300 feet (400 m).

Armament

Initially they were designed for the Polaris A3 and thus the tubes were made larger. However they were built faster than development of the new missiles and thus, operated the A2 in their early years of service before swapping on the A3.
Comparative Specifications Polaris A2:
Weight 38,000 lb (17,500 kg), 30 ft 9 in x 4 ft, 6 in. Powered by two solid-fueled stages, reactor to 8,000 mph (13,000 km/h) at 1,727 miles (2,700 km)
Carried the W47 1.2 ro 2 Mgt yeld Inertial guidance, satellite corrections for a CEP c1,500 meters (4,500 feet)

Main: 16x UGM-27C Polaris A3 SLBMs

As designed, these SSBNs carried sixteen UGM-27 ballistic missiles, with tubes much larger for future upgrades. The Polaris A3 was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Missiles and Space Division, introduced in 1964 and only gradually deployed on the Lafayette class. It stayed in service until 1981, SALT having them destroyed. The submarines that could not carry the Poseidon or Trident had their tubes filled with Concrete (such was the case of the Washington and Allen class). In short, the he A-3 had a range of 2,500 nautical miles and carried three W58 thermonuclear warheads, each with a yield of 200 kilotons.
It was the first capable of a range of 2,500 mile but larger compared to the A2 at 31 feet long (1.5 inches longer and 4.5 ft wider in diameter, 35,700 pounds (4,000 more) yet restricted in size enough to fit the same launch tube. Being capable to fly over 2500 nm versus 1500 nm was still a considerable upgrade.
The A3, was was shared with Britain and ended on the Resolution class.

Comparison of sizes, SLBMs and respective silos Polaris A1 to A3, Poseidon C3/C4 (Madison/Franklin) and then Trident C4/D5 with a cut section of the Ohio class for scale. The shorter C4 was compatible with the Madison/Franklin but not installed on the Lafayettes. FAS, original USN doc.

UGM-73 Poseidon SLBMs

The UGM-73 Poseidon was a second generation USN nuclear-armed submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) still with a two-stage solid-fuel rocket, replacing the UGM-27 Polaris from 1972 onwards, with advances in warheads and accuracy before replacement in 1979 by the Trident I and from 1990 by the Trident II. It will be more detailed on the next Madison class SSBN article.

In 1974, USS Nathan Hale, Will Rogers, Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Jackson and the next USS John Adams, Woodrow Wilson, as well as for 1976, James Monroe, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster had their Polaris replaced by Poseidon C-3 SLBM (UGM-73A).
The Franklin class adopted instead the Trident missiles. Lockheed commenced the TRIDENT I (C4) program started in November of 1973 with an entry servoce planned for 1979 for the new Ohio-Class submarines authorized in 1974. Under the Extended Refit Program (ERP) the C3 (Madison) to C4 (Franklin) SSBN were to benefit a “backfit” program by mid-1976. SSBN 629, 630, and 634 had a “pierside backfit”, SSBN 627, 632, and 633 during their drydocked shipyard overhaul.

Trident I SLBMs

The Madison class was the first modified to fire and operate the Trident missile. Lockheed commenced work on the TRIDENT I (C4) as a program from November 1973, with an entry service planned for 1979 for the new Ohio-Class submarines authorized in 1974. Under the Extended Refit Program (ERP) the C3 (Madison) to C4 (Franklin) SSBN were to benefit a “backfit” program by mid-1976. SSBN 629, 630, and 634 had a “pierside backfit”, SSBN 627, 632, and 633 during their drydocked shipyard overhaul.

In 1971, studies for the Undersea Long-range Missile System (ULMS) concept led to the Decision Coordinating Paper (DCP) being approved on 14 September, for a long-term modernization plan and a longer-range missile termed ULMS II, with twice the range of the Poseidon (ULMS I). The other end of the program was its carrier, a much larger submarine to replace the Lafayette, Madison and Franklin-classes starting in 1978. The ULMS II was also designed to be retrofitted to existing SSBNs and the preimary payload of the future Ohio-class submarine.
In May 1972, the provisory term ULMS II was replaced by “Trident” to keep the tradition with ancient gods (as Neptune’s famous weapon). It was to have range capacity beyod 6,000 miles (9,700 km).
To put this into prespective, it could allow a SSBN in home waters off New England to fire any point west of the Ural on the Soviet territory, or from Attus island waters (Aleutian), any point on the Soviet territory with room to spare. The final Trident I however was capable of 4,600 nm which still allow to reach any point of the globe from international waters.

Growth potential: Trident I in a Madison/Franklin hull (left) and in an Ohio hull (right) with the longer Trident II.

The first test of the Trident was filmed on January 18, 1977 with an unarmed missile launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, travelling 4,600 miles (7,400 km), into the setp point in the South Atlantic Ocean, near Ascension Island. The Trident I (C4) was first deployed in 1979, and retired in 2005. It was as fast as the Poseidon (C3) but with extended range. Next the Trident II (D5) was tasked to reduce its CEP, or accuracy, first deployed at the end of the cold war, in 1990 for a service planned until 2027.
Tridents were also delivered to UK under the terms of the 1963 Polaris Sales Agreement, modified in 1982 for Trident. Total cost of program went up to $39.546 billion in 2011, $70 million per missile. More to come with the Ohio class.

Torpedo Tubes

Unlike the Washingtons, that kept all six 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tube and a reserve lowered at 12 torpedoes, one per Mk 59 tube, the Ethan Allen class had two upper tubes removed, and the remainder pushed a bit lower in the bow chin. The Lafayette, Madison and Franklin kept the same configuration, but instead of the 1957 Mark 37 torpedoes, they had the Mark 59 in Mk 65 tubes with 12 torpedoes in reserve. The Mark 16 Mod 6, rugged and reliable was still a possible option, as well as the Mark 37, Mark xx and Mark 48. Here is a point on the latter:
Mark 37: Short model 1957, Range 23,000 yards (21 km) at 17 knots, 10,000 yards (9.1 km) at 26 knots.
Mark 45: Long model (1259-76): 2,400 pounds (1,100 kg) for 227 inches (580 cm) x 19 inches (48 cm) with a W34 nuclear warhead (11 kt) optional,
range 5–8 miles (8–13 km), 40 knots or Mod 1 (conventional), 40 kn (74 km/h), 15,000 yd (14 km).
Mark 48: Available from 1972 onwards. Swash-plate piston engine, pump jet with Otto fuel II. 647 lb (293 kg) WH, depht 800 m (2,600 ft), max speed 55 kn (63 mph; 102 km/h), range 31 miles or 27 nmi max at 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph).
The latter was the common model on board most submarines, carrying 10–12 Mark 48 heavy torpedoes non-ADCAP (advanced capability).

Sensors

These SSBNs had a new suite: The BPS-11A radar, BQS-4A, BQR-7, BQR-15, BQR-19 and 21 sonars

BPS-11 radar

The AN/BPS-11 is a medium-range surface search and navigation radar searching in the X-band or I-band. Frequency 8 740 to 8 890 MHz, PRF 540 to 660 Hz
pulsewidth (τ) 0.5 µs at peak power 110 kW. Range 80 nm (148 km). Beamwidth 2.6°, up to 8 rpm rotation.

BQS-4A sonar

The BQS-4 was active sonar, here in its latest variant. The AN/BQS-4 is an active/passive detection sonar consisting in the AN/BQR-2 passive detection system and added active detection capability.
The BQS-4 active component comprised seven vertically stacked cylindrical transducers, located inside the BQR-2 chin bow dome to transmit its active “pings.”
In addition to passive listening, it can operate in either automatic echo-ranging or “single-ping” modes.

BQR-7 sonar

The AN/BQR-7 sonar is a long-range passive equipment installed on 594-class nuclear submarines. Target signals are recorded contiruously on a bearing-time-recorder display. A steered-beam audio display is also available for tracking one target at a time. The bearing of a particular target can be read from a dial on the operator’s console and the data can be transmitted automatically to the fire control system.

The hydrophones for the BQR-7 sonar are mounted in vertical staves, in groups of three, in a horseshoe configuration conforming to the shape of the submarine’s bow. There are 156 hydrophones organized into 52 staves. Each stave has its individual amplifier for boosting the received signal. There are two independent compensator switches in the system. One compensator swit- feeds the BTR from the output of a continuously scanning beam rotated at a preset rate. The other switch, which is manually positioned, controls a narrow beam which presents the audio signal to the operator.

One compensator can automatically sweep and record target signals on the BTR while the other is used for manual search detection and tracking, The audio beam is trained in azimuth by a “steering wheel” control mounted on the console. The effectiveness of the BQR-7 passive sonar is reduced by own-ship noise during high-speed cruising. This apparently becomes critical over 5-6 knots.
The full description in a declassified document here

BQR-15 sonar

The AN/BQR-15 is a passive detection system including a thin line towed array (9080 line) coupled with the AN/BQR-23 signal processor. This array cable could be as long as 2,640 ft (800 m) long for a diameter of 0.5 in (12 mm). It is rolled down by a winch with hydraulic drive allowing the array to be streamed, retrieved or adjusted while submerged. It can be deployed in 15 minutes. This system was an upgrade in the late 1970s for the Ethan Allen class. It is part of the sonar suite carried by the the former SSBN-616 Lafayette class and current SSBN-726 Ohio class. More

BQR-19 sonar

Nicknamed “top hat”, this mast-mounted 1,000 pounds (454 kg) was an active, short-range and rapid-scanning submarine sonar for collision avoidance, navigation and other applications like upward-looking ice detection and mine detection. Its Initial operational capability (IOC) was attained in 1970 and it was deployed from the start on the OHIO-class submarines but also found its way on the upgraded Ethan Allen class.

BQR-21 sonar

Hull-mounted passive detection and tracking sonar, digital version of the BQR-2B with digital multibeam steering (DIMUS) coupled with the AN/BQR-24 signal processor and using both analog and digital processing techniques for a range of 100 miles (160 km) and tracking up to 5 targets simultaneously. Transducers were arranged in the bow conformal array, filling all available space as the torpeod tubes were relocated on the sides.

Conways profile of the Lafayette class

SSBN-658 profile (CC, mike79russia)

Next: The Ohio class

The Ohio-class SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) submarines became the largest US submarines ever built. They were and are still the backbone of the United States’ strategic nuclear deterrent force, carrying a substantial portion of the country’s nuclear deterrent capability under sea. The primary mission of Ohio-class SSBNs is strategic nuclear deterrence (“boomers”) designed to stay hidden at sea and provide a secure, second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear conflict. Each Ohio-class SSBN is capable of carrying 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. These missiles are MIRVed (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle), meaning they can carry multiple warheads aimed at different targets. The Trident II missiles are extremely accurate, with a range of over 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers), making them a formidable part of the nuclear triad.
Ohio-class submarines have a length of 560 feet (170 meters) and a beam of 42 feet (13 meters) and displace approximately 18,750 tons when submerged.
The Ohio-class SSBNs were the first powered by a S8G nuclear reactor, providing virtually unlimited range and to remain submerged for extended periods—up to 90 days at a time as well as a top submerged speed of around 20-25 knots.
They are are designed for stealth and operating quietly, with features to reduce noise. Their endurance is limited only by food supplies and remaining submerged for up to three months. They still operates in a two-crew system (Blue and Gold crews) for continuous deployment and near-uninterrupted patrol cycle.
The Ohio-class SSBNs are being replaced by the Columbia-class SSBNs, expected to begin entering service in the 2030s. The Columbia-class incorporates advanced technologies to enhance stealth and survivability and are going to stay active at least until 2060.
Originally, the Ohio class included 18 submarines: 14 SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines) and 4 SSGNs (guided-missile submarines converted from ballistic missile submarines to carry conventional weapons after the end of the Cold War).

The Benjamin Franklin class

Launch of USS Ben Franklin via navsource, photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.

USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN-640) was ordered to General Dynamics Electric Boat and laid down on 25 May 1963, launched 5 December 1964, and completed on 22 October 1965 with Captain Donald M. Miller (Blue) and Ross N. Williams (Gold). On 6 December 1965, Gold launched a Polaris A-3 coordinated with Gemini 7 and started her cycles of yearly patrols and two overhauls. In 1993 was decommissioning and disposal from 23 November 1993. She was stricken the same day. She was sent to the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program in Bremerton, Washington, completed on 21 August 1995.

USS Ben Franklin in 1985

Simon Bolivar was ordered to Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., laid down on 17 April 1963, launched on 22 August 1964 and completed on 29 October 1965 on 29 October 1965 with Commander Charles H. Griffiths (Blue) and Charles A. Orem (Gold). Until January 1966, she multiplied demonstration and shakedown. Gold fired a Polaris A-3 off Cape Kennedy on 17 January 1966. Blue did the same on 31 January. In February 1966, Gold Crew completed shakedown in the Caribbean. In March 1966, she was homeporred to Charleston, and assigned to SubRon 18. She had fixes in shipyard availability and from April 1966, Blue Crew prepared for her first deterrent patrol, followed by Gold, plus training into early 1967 and Blue in its 3rd deterrent patrol. The routine went on from Charleston and until 7 February 1971, for overhaul conversion at Newport News for her Poseidon upgrade. Post overhaul training on 12 May 1972 until 16 September followed by two deterrent patrols. In October 1974 she was versed into Sub Squadron 18, awarded the Battle “E” FY1974 and Providence Plantation Award for outstanding service, Atlantic Fleet plus Battle “E” FY1975 and 1976. By February 1979 she completed her 40th deterrent patrol and entered Portsmouth for overhaul -conversion to the Trident C-4, back in Charleston in January 1981. Apart refits at Kings Bay in Georgia she received another Battle “E” FY1982, launched a Trident by the summer of 1983.
She was deactivated while still in commission by September 1994, stricken on 8 February 1995 and ended in the Recycling Program at Bremerton, completed on 1 December 1995.

USS Kamehameha was laid down at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 May 1963, launched on 16 January 1965 and completed 10 December 1965 with Commander Roth S. Leddick (Blue) and Robert W. Dickieson (Gold). She had her first sea trials off California and firing tests at Cape Canaveral beofre heading for her back deployment base at Pearl Harbor, until 1970 and Apra Harbor in Guam as FDP. Blue Crew had her first deterrent patrol on 6 August 1966 and by November 1966, Gold Crew. Blue Crew at some points launching two Missile with dummy warheads at the Test Range. She was then transferred to the Atlantic Fleet in early June 1970, new HP Charleston, South Carolina, SubRon 18 based at Charleston. On arrival the crew was greeted by “Miss Charleston” which turned out to be Captain’s Wife, but she went to the wrong pier and missed the boat.
Kamehameha exchanged all 16 missiles in 24 hours and had her battery replaced, then she took Commander SubFlot 6 for four days of sea trials followed by her first Atlantic Fleet deterrent patrol with two more in April 1971, and a major overhaul for the Poseidon missile system, refueling her reactor. In 1974-1978 she was in SubGp 2, Sqn. 16, homeported New London, froward advance based in Rota, Spain. In September–November 1976 while in Charleston she performed SPECOPS drills with other units and qualified at the AUTEC range.
She was refitted at Portsmouth in 1981 (non-refueling overhaul) completed sea trials in late 1982, left Groton for gathering missiles at Port Canaveral and saild to her new FAB at Holy Loch in Scotland. By the late 1980s she had a full overhaul at Portsmouth, sailed to Groton in December 1989 for re-certificatio training with Gold Crew launching her last Poseidon C-3 from tube No. 4 off Port Canaveral. She resumed patrols from November 1990 in Holy Loch but by August 1991, deactivation of the Poseidon meant new non-deterrent patrols until July 1992, and then conversion from September 1992 to July 1993 at Mare Islan as a Dry Deck Shelter/swimmer delivery platform SSN-642. Ballistic silos and FCS removed, and only one crew but facilities for SEAL special warfare operations. Her new HP was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii until decommissioned on 2 April 2002, stricken, as the last of the original “41 for Freedom”. The particular wardroom and Richard O’Kane’s personal cribbage board were transferred to USS Parche (SSN-683). She was longest serving nuclear-powered submarine in history at 37 years, only exceeded by USS Bremerton in July 2018, decommissioned 18 May 2021. She was recycled at Bremerton from October 2002 to 28 February 2003.

USS George Bancroft was laid down at GD Electric Boat on 24 August 1963, launched on 20 March 1965 and completed on 22 January 1966 with Captain Joseph Williams (Blue) and Walter M. Douglass (Gold). George Bancroft was assigned to SuRon 14 , SubFlot 6 at New London. First deployment and deterrent patrol was on 26 July 1966 (Blue Crew). She was relocated at FAB Holy Loch and in 1967 performed her 3rd deterrent patrol. No records for her career. She was decommissioned on 21 September 1993 and stricken, recycled at Bremerton, completed on 30 March 1998.

USS Lewis and Clark (named after the mid-west explorators) was laid down at Newport News on 29 July 1963, launched on 21 November 1964 and completed on 22 December 1965, John F. Fagan, Jr. in command for Blue Crew and Commander Kenneth A. Porter for Gold Crew.
She had her shakedown and firing tests off Cape Kennedy in 1966, before started her Polaris 3 deterrent patrols. On 21 July 1972 she was converted to the Poseidon C3 standard and on 18 December 1972, Gold launched a Poseidon C-3 after DASO.
On 19 June 1981, she fired four Poseidon C-3 missiles in a Follow-on Operational Test and from 23 July 1981 she had her Poseidon refueling overhaul at Newport News. On 13 June 1985 she launched four Poseidon C-3. She was deactivated while still in commission on 1 October 1991, decommissioned/stricken on 27 June 1992, recycled at Bremerton from 1 October 1995 to 23 September 1996.

James K. Polk was laid down at General Dynamics Electric Boat on 23 November 1963, launched on 22 May 1965 and completed on 16 April 1966 with Cdr R.M. Douglass (Gold) Crew and F.D. McMullen, Jr. (Blue). She was based in Charleston from September 1966 for her Polaris 3 patrols, 19 completed between September 1966 and May 1971. In July 1971, she had her first overhaul at Newport News, nuclear refueling and conversion to Poseidon C-3 by late 1972, followed by DASO and launch.
She resumed patrols in the Atlantic Ocean in May 1973and had a second overhaul at Portsmouth after her 50th deterrent patrol in September 1981, completed in 1983, then seven more deterrent patrols. Back at Portsmouth in January 1986 she had a third overhaul after her 58th deterrent patrol (DP) and post-overhaul DASO. In May 1989 she made her final Poseidon patrols but was not converted to Trident, instead she celebrated her 25th year on April 1991 and completed her last 66th DP by August 1991.

James K. Polk sometime in the 1990s after conversion to an attack submarine and redesignation as SSN-645. Visible dry Deck Shelters were installed on her deck during her 1992–1994 conversion to operate SEALs vehicles.
In August 1992 she started a 19-month shipyard conversion removing her tubes and she became the attack submarine SSN-645 with Dry Deck Shelters installed on rear deck for spec ops. She had trials from March 1994 and three extended deployments to the Mediterranean and NATO drills, then deactivated at Norfolk and ecom. stricken on 8 July 1999 in Puget Sound and recycled at Bremerton until 26 April 2000.

George C. Marshall was laid down at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. on 2 March 1964, launched on 21 May 1965 and completed 29 April 1966 with Warren Richardson Cobean, Jr. (Blue) and Willard Edward Johnson (Gold). In September 1969, Blue started their 7th DP from Holy Loch, tendered by USS Canopus. She was overhaul and converted to Poseidon by September 1971- March 1973, DASO launch and returned to Scotland, visiting in November 1975 the Faslane Submarine Base nefore being reassigned to Rota NS in Spain. In 1970s was caught in a fishing trawler net while in transit from Holy Loch, leaving a scar on her sail but there was no more trouble. In 1980 she had an extensive overhaul in the floating dry dock USS Los Alamos (AFDB-7) in Holy Loch and later visited Weymouth. She also operated from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay to fire ballistic missiles and had another overhaul at Newport News until 1984, and removal of her Mk 45 ASTOR torpedoed and 4FZ alarm system for Mark 14 and Mark 37 torpedo capabilities plus the Mobile Submarine Simulator (MOSS) decoy on tubes 3 and 4.
She made 78 strategic deterrent patrols, the last from Scotland in 1992, last dive off San Diego before entering Bremerton for decommissioning on 24 September 1992, stricken, recycled at Bremerton until 28 February 1994.

Henry L. Stimson was laid down at General Dynamics Electric Boat 4 April 1964, launched on 13 November 1965 and completed 20 August 1966 with Captain Richard E. Jortberg (Blue) and Robert H. Weeks (Gold). She joined Submarine Squadron 10 at New London, starting her firt patrol on 23 February 1967. Eeach time one crew wa son board, the other had one month of R&R and 2 months of training, average patrols lasting for 75 days, entirely submerged and a week in turnover for resupply and basic maintenance but 3 weeks of refitting and repairs. In 1973 she had her Trident Missile conversion in 1980 and was in Rota, Spain, making a visit to Charleston in 1976 for her battery bank. She was refitted in 1980 based in Kings Bay Georgia but crew still in Charleston. She was decommissioned and stricken on 5 May 1993, recycled at Bremerton until 12 August 1994.

George Washington Carver was laid down at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. on 24 August 1964, launched on 14 August 1965, completed on 15 June 1966, with Captain R. D. Donavan (Blue) and Carl J. Lidel (Gol). After shakedown she started her first strategic deterrent patrol on 12 December 1966 from Holy Loch until September 1971, transferred to Groton for special operations and refuelling overhaul at Electric Boat Div. She had anotehr dry dock overhaul at Naval Station Rota fromFebruary 1977 with a from Electric Boat to complete it.In 1991, she had her missiles removed, tubes filled with ballast at NWS Charleston, and she was based in Bangor for various assignments and was sent to Puget Sound, decommissioned and stricken on 18 March 1993, recycling completed on 12 March 1994.

Francis Scott Key was laid down General Dynamics Electric Boat was laid down on 5 December 1964, launched on 23 April 1966 and completed on 3 December 1966, with Captain Frank W. Graham (Blue) and Lieutenant Commander Joseph B. Logan (Gold). She was assigned to SUBRON 16 in Rota, Spain then moved to Kings Bay, Georgia in 1979. Her first Trident launch was in 1979 and she became the first to go on deterrent patrol with Trident I. She completed her 72th patrol in 1992 and was reassigned from Charleston to Pearl Harbor by late 1992 only to be decommissioned on 2 September 1993 (Carl D. Olson in command), stricken the same day. Her recycling at Bremerton was completed on 1 September 1995.

Mariano G. Vallejo was laid down at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 7 July 1964, launched on 23 October 1965, completed on 16 December 1966 with Commander Douglas B. Guthe (Blue) and Commander John K. Nunneley (Gold). After shakedown and training on the West Coast, Caribbean and coast of Florida she transited the Panama Canal on 21 March 1967 and entered Pearl Harbor on 10 April 1967. Se had fixes at Mare Island and back to Pearl Harbor to joined SubRon 15 on 1 August 1967 for her first strategic deterrent patrols. She completed her last patrol in Washington for the entire class and allegedly last of the “Forty-one for Freedom.” On 2 August 1994 she left Charleston, crossed Panama on 10 August to San Diego but the crew sensed from 20 nautical miles (37 km) a 7.2 earthquake. She was decommissioned and stricken on 9 March 1995 and recycled at Bremerton, Washington from 1 October 1994 to 22 December 1995.

Will Rogers was laid down at General Dynamics Electric Boat on 20 March 1965, launched on 21 July 1966, completed on 1 April 1967 with Captain R. Y. Kaufman (Blue) and W. J. Cowhill (Gold). After shakedown, she had her initial training, work-up and Polaris launch at the Atlantic Missile Range off Cape Kennedy on 31 July 1967. In October 1967 she made her first deterrent patrol and in Groton until 1974 she was sent to Naval Station Rota and converted to the Poseidon standard, nuclear reactor modified to use an S3G core 3. She patrolled from Spain until 1978 (35) and until November 1991 she was deployed from Holy Loch. On 9 November 1991, she was the last SubRon 14 to leave Holy Loch for home and to be deactivated and then deactivated at Bremerton on 2 November 1992, decommissioned and stricken 12 April 1993, recycled until 12 August 1994.

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Launch of USS Francis Scott Key

Launch of USS G. Bancroft

Launch of USS Kamehameha

Links

history.navy.mil uss-lafayette
nuclearcompanion.com/
navsource.org/
nuke.fas.org/
airandspace.si.edu/ polaris-3
spaceline.org/ lafayette-class-submarines/
en.wikipedia.org/ Franklin-class_submarine
nuclearcompanion.com polaris-a-3
nuke.fas.org ssbn-secure
nationalinterest.org/
navsource.org/ Lewis & Clark (SSBN-644)
navsource.org/ 08643.htm
navsource.org/ 0864010.pdf
ssbn640.com/
navsource.org/
on hazegray.org/
geocities.com/Pentagon/Quarters/6324/
https://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08658.htm
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/m/mariano-g-vallejo.html
http://www.ssbn658.org/
https://ssbn657.com/

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