USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

• First of Her Class: USS George Washington (SSBN-598) was the lead ship of her class and the world’s first operational ballistic missile submarine, revolutionizing naval warfare when commissioned in 1959. • Missile Debut: On July 20, 1960, she became the first submarine to successfully launch a Polaris ballistic missile while submerged, marking a new era in nuclear deterrence. • Secret Construction: The submarine was originally laid down as the attack sub USS Scorpion (SSN-589), but midway through construction was secretly converted into a ballistic missile submarine. • Dual Crews: To maximize patrol time, the USS George Washington operated with two complete crews, Blue and Gold, alternating on patrols—a practice that became standard for U.S. ballistic missile subs. • First Deterrent Patrol: Her first patrol began on November 15, 1960, and she remained submerged for 66 days, establishing the feasibility of continuous at-sea deterrence. • Cold War Sentinel: During her career, the USS George Washington conducted dozens of strategic deterrent patrols, playing a key role in maintaining the nuclear balance during the Cold War. • Namesake Legacy: She was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States, continuing a tradition of naming capital ships after national leaders. • Decommissioning: The submarine was decommissioned on January 24, 1985, after 25 years of service and over 1.3 million miles steamed submerged. • Legacy on Display: The sail (conning tower) of the USS George Washington is preserved and on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut. • Successors: The name "USS George Washington" was later given to an aircraft carrier (CVN-73), continuing her legacy in the U.S. Navy fleet.