About this Unit
USS Louisville (SSN 724) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on November 8, 1986. Throughout her distinguished service, Louisville participated in multiple deployments, notably launching Tomahawk cruise missiles during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, becoming the first submarine to do so in combat. She later supported Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, again utilizing Tomahawk missiles against enemy targets. After more than three decades of active service, USS Louisville was decommissioned on March 9, 2021.
Historical Facts
• Los Angeles-class Submarine: USS Louisville (SSN 724) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, part of one of the most successful and numerous submarine classes in US Navy history.
• Commissioning: The submarine was commissioned on 8 November 1986 at Naval Station New London, Groton, Connecticut.
• First Combat Tomahawk Launch from a Submerged Submarine: In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, USS Louisville became the first submarine to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles in combat while submerged, targeting sites in Iraq.
• Namesake: USS Louisville was the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name, honoring the city of Louisville, Kentucky.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2003, USS Louisville again launched Tomahawk missiles in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating the enduring value of submarine-launched strike capability.
• Global Deployments: During her career, Louisville completed numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, and Mediterranean, supporting various US and allied operations.
• Homeport Changes: The submarine was originally homeported in Groton, Connecticut, but later transferred to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, reflecting the Navy's strategic rebalance to the Pacific.
• Arctic Operations: Louisville participated in under-ice operations, including surfacing at the North Pole, showcasing the capabilities of Los Angeles-class subs in extreme environments.
• Decommissioning: USS Louisville was decommissioned on 9 March 2021 after over 34 years of service, closing a distinguished chapter in Cold War and post-Cold War submarine operations.
• Crew Traditions: Known for strong camaraderie and morale, Louisville's crew maintained close ties with the city of Louisville, Kentucky, participating in community events and fostering Navy-civilian relations.
