Francis Scott Key SSBN 657

• Namesake: USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657) was named after the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner," the United States national anthem. • Class and Type: She was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine, part of the "41 for Freedom" fleet. • Commissioning: The submarine was commissioned on December 3, 1966, at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia. • Missile Capability: Initially equipped with Polaris A3 ballistic missiles, she was later upgraded to carry Poseidon C3 missiles, enhancing her deterrent capability. • Patrols: Francis Scott Key completed over 60 strategic deterrent patrols during her service, contributing significantly to America's nuclear triad during the Cold War. • Two Crews: Like other SSBNs, she had two crews, Blue and Gold, who rotated to maximize time at sea and maintain constant readiness. • Home Ports: Her primary home ports included Charleston, South Carolina, and later Kings Bay, Georgia. • Decommissioning: She was decommissioned on September 2, 1993, at Bremerton, Washington, and later scrapped via the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program. • Unique Escape Trunks: The submarine featured advanced escape trunks designed for rapid crew egress in emergencies, an innovation for subs of her era. • Legacy: The ship’s sail (conning tower) was preserved and is on display at the Submarine Veterans Memorial Park in North Charleston, South Carolina, honoring her legacy and those who served aboard.