USS Groton (SSN-694)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Commissioning: USS Groton was commissioned on July 8, 1978, entering active service under the command of Commander R. William Vogel, Jr. • First Homeport: Fittingly, Groton’s initial homeport was Naval Submarine Base New London, placing her in the heart of the US submarine community. • Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, Groton conducted numerous classified missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare exercises. • Historic Visit: In 1985, USS Groton became the first nuclear-powered submarine to visit Bermuda, a significant diplomatic and operational milestone. • Operation Participation: The submarine participated in various NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and honing skills in multi-national naval operations. • Decommissioning: After nearly 20 years of service, USS Groton was decommissioned on November 7, 1997, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. • 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.