USS James Monroe (SSBN-622)

• Name and Class: USS James Monroe (SSBN-622) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine, named after the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe. • Commissioning Date: The submarine was commissioned on December 7, 1963, exactly 22 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor. • Builder: She was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia. • First Polaris Patrol: USS James Monroe departed Charleston, South Carolina, on her first strategic deterrent patrol with Polaris A-3 missiles in 1964. • Blue and Gold Crews: Like many ballistic missile submarines, she operated with two crews, known as the Blue and Gold crews, to maximize patrol time at sea. • Missile Upgrades: Throughout her service, the submarine was upgraded to carry Poseidon C-3 missiles, increasing her deterrent capability. • Cold War Service: USS James Monroe completed over 50 strategic deterrent patrols during the Cold War, playing a crucial role in the United States’ nuclear triad. • Notable Commanders: Among her commanders was Vice Admiral Roger F. Bacon, who later held significant leadership roles in the U.S. Navy. • Deactivation and Decommissioning: The submarine was deactivated in March 1990 and officially decommissioned on September 25, 1990, after almost 27 years of service. • Recycling: After decommissioning, USS James Monroe entered the Navy’s Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program and was scrapped by 1995.