USS Louisiana (SSBN-731)

• Ohio-class Ballistic Missile Submarine: USS Louisiana (SSBN-743) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, the last of its class, commissioned by the U.S. Navy. • Commissioning Date: The submarine was commissioned on September 6, 1997, making it one of the youngest Ohio-class submarines in the fleet. • Namesake: It is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named after the state of Louisiana. • Homeport: USS Louisiana is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, Washington, a strategic location for U.S. Pacific submarine forces. • Dual Crew System: Like all Ohio-class SSBNs, it uses a Blue and Gold crew system to maximize its time at sea, allowing for nearly continuous patrols. • Armed with Trident Missiles: The submarine carries up to 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, forming a critical part of America's nuclear deterrent. • Advanced Stealth: The Ohio-class design emphasizes stealth, making USS Louisiana extremely difficult to detect when submerged. • Significant Patrols: In October 2015, USS Louisiana completed the 4,000th strategic deterrent patrol by an Ohio-class submarine, marking a major milestone in U.S. naval history. • Collision Incident: On August 18, 2016, USS Louisiana collided with the USNS Roberts (a support vessel) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Both vessels sustained minor damage; there were no injuries or nuclear risk. • Symbolic Crest: The ship’s crest features a pelican (state bird of Louisiana), a trident, and the motto “United We Stand Strong,” reflecting both its namesake and mission.