About this Unit
USS Ethan Allen (SSBN-608) (Gold Crew) was a fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1961. As the lead ship of her class, she played a critical role in the nation’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, conducting numerous strategic deterrent patrols with her Gold Crew. Equipped with Polaris ballistic missiles, Ethan Allen was the first submarine to launch a Polaris A-2 missile with a live nuclear warhead during Operation Frigate Bird in 1962. She served with distinction until her decommissioning in 1983, contributing significantly to the Navy’s Submarine Force and the security of the United States.
Historical Facts
•
First Ballistic Missile Submarine Launch:
USS Ethan Allen (SSBN 608) was the first submarine designed and built from the keel up as a ballistic missile submarine, rather than a conversion from an attack sub.
•
Gold Crew:
Ethan Allen operated with two alternating crews, Blue and Gold, to maximize patrol time. The Gold Crew, referenced in your question, would take the submarine on patrol while the Blue Crew trained or rested ashore.
•
Namesake:
The submarine was named after Ethan Allen, the famous American Revolutionary War patriot and hero of the Green Mountain Boys.
•
Operation Dominic - Frigate Bird Test:
On May 6, 1962, Ethan Allen became the only US ballistic missile submarine to fire a live nuclear-armed Polaris missile during Operation Dominic’s “Frigate Bird” test, successfully demonstrating the submarine's nuclear deterrent capability.
•
Strategic Deterrence:
Throughout her career, Ethan Allen conducted dozens of strategic deterrent patrols, quietly patrolling the world’s oceans with nuclear missiles, playing a crucial role in Cold War stability.
•
Polaris to Poseidon:
Originally equipped with Polaris A-2 missiles, Ethan Allen was later refitted to carry the more advanced Polaris A-3 missiles, keeping her on the cutting edge of submarine-launched ballistic missile technology.
•
Deactivation of Missile Capability:
In 1980, under the SALT II treaty, Ethan Allen's missile compartments were disabled, and she was reclassified as an attack submarine (SSN-608) before decommissioning.
•
Quiet Innovations:
As part of her design, Ethan Allen incorporated several technological advances to reduce noise and improve stealth, influencing future generations of US submarines.
•
Award Winning Service:
The Gold Crew and the submarine as a whole received multiple Navy Unit Commendations and Battle Efficiency "E" awards for their operational excellence.
•
Recycling and Legacy:
Decommissioned in 1983, Ethan Allen was eventually recycled through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program in Bremerton, Washington, but her historic legacy endures in museums and naval history.
