About this Unit
USS Groton (SSN-694) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the United States Navy. She was commissioned on July 8, 1978, and named after Groton, Connecticut, a significant center for submarine construction. Throughout her service, USS Groton conducted a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare exercises, intelligence gathering, and support of fleet operations during the Cold War. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned on November 7, 1997, and later entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Groton (SSN-694) was named after Groton, Connecticut, known as the "Submarine Capital of the World" due to its long association with submarine construction and the nearby Naval Submarine Base New London.
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Los Angeles-Class: USS Groton was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, a class that formed the backbone of the US Navy’s submarine force during the Cold War.
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Keel Laid & Launch: The submarine’s keel was laid on August 3, 1973, at Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, CT, and she was launched on October 9, 1976.
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Commissioning: USS Groton was commissioned on July 8, 1978, entering active service under the command of Commander R. William Vogel, Jr.
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First Homeport: Fittingly, Groton’s initial homeport was Naval Submarine Base New London, placing her in the heart of the US submarine community.
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Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, Groton conducted numerous classified missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
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Historic Visit: In 1985, USS Groton became the first nuclear-powered submarine to visit Bermuda, a significant diplomatic and operational milestone.
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Operation Participation: The submarine participated in various NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and honing skills in multi-national naval operations.
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Decommissioning: After nearly 20 years of service, USS Groton was decommissioned on November 7, 1997, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register.
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Recycling: The ex-Groton entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program in Bremerton, Washington, where she was dismantled and recycled, concluding her service to the Navy and the nation.
