About this Unit
USS Daniel Boone (SSBN-629) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the American pioneer Daniel Boone, she played a strategic role during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Over her nearly three decades of service, Daniel Boone contributed to the United States' nuclear triad, ensuring second-strike capability. The submarine was decommissioned in 1994 and subsequently scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.
Historical Facts
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First of Her Class: Although not the lead boat, USS Daniel Boone (SSBN-629) was the first ballistic missile submarine built as part of the "Benjamin Franklin" class, a sub-class of the Lafayette-class, incorporating quieter propulsion and improved missile systems.
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Namesake: She was named after the famous American pioneer and frontiersman, Daniel Boone, reflecting the Navy’s tradition of naming ballistic missile submarines after famous Americans.
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Commissioned in 1964: USS Daniel Boone was commissioned on April 23, 1964, with Captain George P. Steele in command of Blue Crew and Commander Alan M. Long in command of Gold Crew.
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Polaris to Poseidon: Originally equipped with Polaris A-3 ballistic missiles, she was later retrofitted to carry Poseidon C-3 missiles, enhancing her range and payload.
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Pacific and Atlantic Patrols: Daniel Boone operated in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, providing a key component of the U.S. Navy's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.
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Historic Panama Canal Transit: In 1966, she became the first Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine to transit the Panama Canal, demonstrating the Navy’s global reach.
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Two-Crew System: USS Daniel Boone used the Blue and Gold crew system, allowing continuous patrols at sea with alternating teams.
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Collision Incident: In April 1987, she collided with a Japanese freighter, the Nissho Maru, near Sasebo, Japan. The submarine suffered minor damage, and the incident led to increased navigational precautions.
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Deactivation and Recycling: She was deactivated on February 18, 1994, and scrapped through the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Bremerton, Washington, completed in 1994.
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Legacy: Over her 30 years of service, Daniel Boone completed dozens of deterrent patrols and contributed significantly to the U.S. Navy’s strategic deterrence mission during the Cold War.
