On December 30, 1959, a historical event occurred with the commissioning of the George Washington – the first ballistic missile submarine. This revolutionary moment in naval warfare signaled the United States’ forward-thinking plans to lead the world in modern technology. Let’s take a look at why this day was so significant in submarine history.
About the First Ballistic Missile Submarine
The USS George Washington, the first ballistic missile submarine of the United States Navy, was commissioned on December 30, 1959. The George Washington was built at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut and was designed to carry 16 Polaris A-1 missiles. It represented a major breakthrough in naval technology as it offered the ability to launch nuclear missiles while operating underwater.
After the successful launch, George Washington commenced its first patrol. The submarine ran underwater for 66 days before coming back to Groton and handing over the responsibility of the boat’s second mission to a new crew. When it concluded its voyage, George Washington moved towards Holy Loch in Scotland in April 1961. For four years after that eventful day, this powerful vessel conducted confidential deterrent patrols close to Soviet coasts, with both crews alternating their duties regularly. By the time it had steamed more than 100,000 miles from Groton – an amazing feat- George Washington was known as one of the most impressive submarines ever built!
After a full renovation in 1965, the submarine George Washington was released and returned to patrolling with the Pacific Fleet for almost two decades as an effective warning against global conflict—fully embodying its motto, “First in Peace.” On January 24th 1985, it was eventually decommissioned and scrapped; however, her conning tower sail was preserved at the Submarine Force Museum located in Groton so that this remarkable vessel is never forgotten.
The George Washington had a length of 130 m, a height of 10 m, a beam of 10 m, a displacement of 6,900 tons, and a crew complement of 14 officers and 95 enlisted men. The nuclear-powered sub also featured two S5W reactors capable of propelling it at speeds up to 20 knots when submerged.
George Washington was an important warship in the Cold War and served as a deterrent to any potential nuclear attack. It also conducted several strategic deterrent patrols during its years of service, including a historic one around the world in 1966. The sub was decommissioned in 1985 after 25 years of service, but its legacy lives on in modern-day submarines and naval technology.
Today, the USS George Washington is remembered as the first ballistic missile submarine and an important part of United States military history. As a testament to its importance, it has been preserved as a museum ship at Battleship Cove in Massachusetts where visitors can learn more about this remarkable vessel and the technological accomplishments that it represented. The USS George Washington continues to serve as a reminder of the United States’ dedication to naval superiority and technological innovation.
With the limits of SALT II looming, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln offloaded their missiles at Bangor, Washington’s newly formed Explosives Handling Wharf in 1979 in order to remain within these restrictions. With shortened patrols due to depleted reactor fuel, both vessels were decommissioned by 1982 after completely removing their missile compartments.
By 1983, George Washington, USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599), and USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601) had their missiles removed for the same reason and were instead reclassified as attack submarines, notoriously referred to as “slow attacks.” These three vessels served briefly in Pearl Harbor before being decommissioned by early 1985. Fortunately, the sail from George Washington’s submarine is on display at Submarine Force Library and Museum located in Groton, Connecticut.
The commissioning of George Washington on December 30, 1959, was an important milestone in the history of submarines. It marked the beginning of a new era for submarine warfare, paving the way for modern-day nuclear-powered vessels that are capable of launching powerful ballistic missiles while submerged. The USS George Washington is a testament to American ingenuity and serves as an enduring symbol of progress in naval technology.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated; it took bold foresight and unwavering determination to make such a revolutionary step in military technology. This momentous occasion signaled America’s commitment to leading the world in advanced defense systems and helped cement the U.S. Navy’s position as a global superpower. The USS George Washington will always be remembered as an important milestone in submarine history and a symbol of American ingenuity and strength.
Construction of the First Ballistic Missile Submarine
On the 31st of December 1957, the Navy issued a mandate for Electric Boat to modify two already existing attack submarines into long-range ballistic missile-carrying nuclear vessels in order to promptly create an effective deterrent force. In January 1958, Electric Boat convinced the Navy to push back the launch dates of two Skipjack class fast attack submarines – Scorpion (SSN-589) and Sculpin (SSN-590). On February 12th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized funding for three ballistic missile subs – thanks in part to this persuasive conversion from Electric Boat.
The George Washington class of submarines was the Skipjack model, with an extra 40 meters added on to make room for a missile compartment. Contrary to general belief, these models weren’t literally cut down the middle and retrofitted; rather, they were designed from the start as ballistic missile subs.
After only two months of construction, the Scorpion was reordered as the George Washington (SSGN-598). The material and equipment originally meant for the Scamp and Sculpin served to build both the Patrick Henry (SSGN-599) at Electric Boat and the Theodore Roosevelt (SSGN-600) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
Newport News Shipbuilding and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard utilized no parts from Skipjack-class submarines to construct the Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601) and Abraham Lincoln (SSBN-602). Initially, these first three ships were classified as SSGN(FBM), meaning Guided Missile Submarine, and Fleet Ballistic Missile; however, this was changed to the more recognizable designation of SSBN on June 26th, 1958.
The George Washington-class submarines were armed with the Polaris A1 missiles until June 2, 1964. On that day, they transitioned to using the more advanced Polaris A3s. And finally, on October 14, 1965, USS Abraham Lincoln made the switch and completed this class’s move from A1s to A3s.
What’s a Ballistic Missile Submarine?
A ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) is a submarine specifically designed for the purpose of firing nuclear missiles. A submarine’s silent running capability, combined with its ability to remain submerged for extended periods of time, makes it an ideal platform for launching long-range nuclear strikes against enemy targets.
Ballistic missile submarines are typically outfitted with both short and intermediate-range nuclear warheads, allowing them to deliver devastating strikes across vast distances quickly and accurately. These vessels typically operate as part of a larger fleet or as independent units within a country’s navy. They are also commonly referred to as “boomers” due to their primary purpose – delivering long-range strategic deterrence.
Ballistic missile submarines are typically armed with multiple launch tubes that can each hold up to four ballistic missiles. The submarines also carry a variety of other weapons, such as torpedoes and mines, for use in defense against potential enemies. Ballistic missile submarines are designed to remain submerged for extended periods of time, allowing them the ability to stay hidden from enemy detection while still maintaining their readiness for action. Additionally, these vessels often employ a variety of countermeasures to further protect themselves from detection and attack.
The presence of ballistic missile submarines serves as a powerful deterrent to enemy forces due to the overwhelming destructive power they possess. As part of a nation’s nuclear triad – which includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and strategic bombers – they provide an unbeatable layer of security that can be used to keep enemies at bay, deter international aggression, or even launch devastating nuclear attacks.
Despite their ominous nature, ballistic missile submarines are a vital part of any nation’s defense against nuclear attack. They provide the capability to quickly and accurately deliver overwhelming firepower to enemy targets anywhere on the globe. This makes them one of the most valuable assets available to modern militaries – and arguably one of the most important elements in maintaining global peace and security.
In addition to providing strategic deterrence, ballistic missile submarines can also be used for other missions such as intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, search-and-rescue operations, deep sea research expeditions, and more. In many cases, these vessels have proven themselves to be invaluable to their respective nations, providing a level of security and safety that would otherwise not be possible.
No matter what role they may serve, ballistic missile submarines are an integral part of any nation’s defense arsenal – and an important component in upholding global peace and security.
Conclusively, ballistic missile submarines are a critical element of modern warfare. They provide the ability to deliver devastating nuclear strikes while maintaining secrecy and invisibility, making them one of the most powerful weapons systems available today. As such, these vessels have earned their place as essential tools for protecting freedom and ensuring global stability. For this reason, it is essential that nations continue to invest in their submarine fleets to ensure continued security and peace of mind.
By continuing to develop and maintain these powerful vessels, nations can ensure that they are always prepared to take decisive action against any threat – no matter how distant or imminent. In the end, the presence of ballistic missile submarines serves as a powerful deterrent to enemies and helps create a more secure world for all.