USS George Washington Submarine Facts

Introduction to the USS George Washington Submarine

The USS George Washington (SSBN-598) was a historic submarine that played a significant role in the United States’ naval defense system during the Cold War era. As the world’s first operational ballistic missile submarine, it marked the beginning of a new era in submarine warfare. The USS George Washington was named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, and was the lead boat of her class of ballistic missile submarines. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating facts and history of the USS George Washington submarine.

Design and Construction

The USS George Washington was designed and built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. The submarine’s design was based on the Skipjack-class attack submarine, but with a longer hull to accommodate the missile compartment. The USS George Washington was launched on June 9, 1959, and commissioned on December 30, 1959. The submarine measured 381 feet in length and had a beam of 33 feet, with a draft of 29 feet. It had a displacement of 5,900 tons and was powered by a S5W nuclear reactor, which provided a top speed of over 20 knots.

Missile Capabilities

The USS George Washington was equipped with 16 UGM-27 Polaris A1 ballistic missiles, which were stored in a vertical launch system. The Polaris missile was a two-stage, solid-fueled missile with a range of over 1,200 nautical miles. The submarine’s missile system was designed to provide a deterrent against enemy targets, and the USS George Washington was the first submarine to conduct a test launch of a ballistic missile while submerged. The submarine’s missile capabilities made it a formidable force in the United States’ naval defense system.

Operational History

The USS George Washington began its first patrol on November 15, 1960, and conducted a total of 55 deterrent patrols during its operational career. The submarine was based in New London, Connecticut, and conducted patrols in the Atlantic Ocean. The USS George Washington was also used for various testing and evaluation programs, including the testing of new missile systems and submarine designs. The submarine played a significant role in the United States’ naval defense system during the Cold War era, and its presence helped to deter enemy aggression.

Crew and Living Conditions

The USS George Washington had a crew of 136 officers and enlisted men, who lived and worked on board the submarine for extended periods. The submarine was equipped with basic living facilities, including berthing, galley, and mess facilities. The crew worked in a challenging environment, with limited space and amenities. However, the crew of the USS George Washington was highly trained and motivated, and they played a critical role in the submarine’s operational success.

Decommissioning and Legacy

The USS George Washington was decommissioned on January 24, 1985, after 25 years of service. The submarine was then converted into a moored training ship, and was used to train submarine crews until its final decommissioning in 1998. The USS George Washington was a historic submarine that played a significant role in the United States’ naval defense system during the Cold War era. Its legacy continues to be felt today, and it remains an important part of American naval history.

Specification	Value
Length	381 feet
Beam	33 feet
Draft	29 feet
Displacement	5,900 tons
Top Speed	Over 20 knots

💡 Note: The USS George Washington was a significant innovation in submarine design and capabilities, and its legacy continues to be felt today.

In summary, the USS George Washington submarine was a historic vessel that played a significant role in the United States’ naval defense system during the Cold War era. Its design, construction, and operational history are fascinating topics that provide insight into the development of submarine warfare. The USS George Washington’s legacy continues to be felt today, and it remains an important part of American naval history.