About this Unit
The USS James K. Polk (SSBN-645) was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1966. Named after the 11th President of the United States, she played a critical role in the nation's strategic deterrence mission during the Cold War, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. In 1994, following the end of the Cold War and arms reduction treaties, she was converted to an attack submarine (SSN-645) and served briefly in this new role. The USS James K. Polk was decommissioned in 1999, concluding over three decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS James K. Polk (SSBN-645) was named after the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk, who is often associated with American territorial expansion.
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Polaris Missile Submarine: She was a Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarine, designed primarily to carry and launch Polaris ballistic missiles as part of the U.S. nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.
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Commissioning: The submarine was commissioned on April 16, 1966, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
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Dual Crews: Like other ballistic missile submarines, she operated with two alternating crews, Blue and Gold, to maximize her time at sea on deterrent patrols.
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First Patrol: James K. Polk began her first deterrent patrol in August 1966 from her homeport in Charleston, South Carolina, as part of Submarine Squadron 16.
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Missile Upgrades: She underwent significant upgrades over her career, including refitting to carry Poseidon C3 missiles in the 1970s, enhancing her range and firepower.
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Arctic Operations: The submarine participated in under-ice operations and was noted for surfacing at the North Pole during specialized missions, demonstrating the Navy’s strategic reach.
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Conversion to Attack Submarine: In 1994, following the end of the Cold War, she was converted from a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to an attack submarine (SSN), removing her missile tubes and refitting for new roles such as special operations.
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Special Forces Role: After conversion, she was equipped to carry and deploy special operations forces, including Navy SEALs, and was fitted with Dry Deck Shelters for swimmer delivery vehicles.
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Decommissioning: USS James K. Polk was decommissioned on July 8, 1999, after more than 30 years of service, and her recycling was completed in 2000 through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.
