USS James K. Polk (SSBN-645)

• 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. • 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. • Commissioning: The submarine was commissioned on April 16, 1966, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. • 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. • 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. • Missile Upgrades: She underwent significant upgrades over her career, including refitting to carry Poseidon C3 missiles in the 1970s, enhancing her range and firepower. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.