About this Unit
USS **Henry Clay (SSBN-625)** was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the American statesman Henry Clay, she played a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear deterrent force during the Cold War by conducting strategic deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. The submarine completed numerous deterrent patrols throughout the Atlantic, contributing to the nation's second-strike capability. After over two decades of service, USS Henry Clay was decommissioned in November 1990 and subsequently scrapped as part of the Navy's Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Henry Clay (SSBN-625) was named after Henry Clay, a prominent 19th-century American statesman and orator known for his role as Speaker of the House and Secretary of State.
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Polaris Missile Submarine: The vessel was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine, designed to carry and launch Polaris nuclear missiles as part of the U.S. Navy's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.
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Commissioning: USS Henry Clay was commissioned on February 20, 1964, at Groton, Connecticut, with Captain Thomas A. Bryce commanding the Blue Crew and Commander W. G. Dietzen commanding the Gold Crew.
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Dual Crew System: Like other ballistic missile submarines, it operated with two alternating crews—Blue and Gold—to maximize patrol time at sea and maintain a constant deterrent presence.
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First Patrol: Her first deterrent patrol began in August 1964, marking her entry into operational service during a critical era of the Cold War.
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Record-Setting Patrol: In 1987, USS Henry Clay set a record by completing her 70th deterrent patrol, the most for any submarine in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet at that time.
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Refueling Overhaul: The submarine underwent a major refueling overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding in the early 1970s, extending her operational life and updating her systems.
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Conversion to Poseidon Missiles: She was converted to carry the more advanced Poseidon C-3 ballistic missile, enhancing her deterrent capability and strategic importance.
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Decommissioning: USS Henry Clay was decommissioned on November 5, 1990, after more than 26 years of service, and was scrapped via the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program in 1997.
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Cultural Reference: The submarine and her crew were featured in various naval publications and documentaries, highlighting the vital but often secretive role of "41 for Freedom" fleet ballistic missile submarines in maintaining nuclear peace during the Cold War.
