USS MEMPHIS SSN-691

• Los Angeles-class Origins: USS Memphis (SSN-691) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, one of the earliest of this prolific and versatile class commissioned by the US Navy. • Commissioning: Memphis was commissioned on 17 December 1977, built by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. • Namesake: She was the fourth U.S. Navy vessel to be named after Memphis, Tennessee, honoring the historic city. • First Ship with Female Crew: USS Memphis made history in 1989 when it became the first US Navy submarine to embark female crew members, hosting civilian women scientists and engineers for research missions. • Tomahawk Missile Testing: Memphis was one of the first submarines to test and evaluate the Tomahawk cruise missile, which has since become a staple of US naval firepower. • Support for NASA: In 1986, Memphis participated in search and recovery operations for the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, searching the Atlantic for shuttle debris. • Special Projects Platform: For much of her career, Memphis was assigned to Submarine Development Squadron 12 in Groton, Connecticut, conducting research, testing, and development of new submarine technologies. • Under-ice Operations: Memphis operated under the polar ice cap on several occasions, demonstrating the class’s capability to operate in extreme Arctic conditions. • Decommissioning: After 33 years of active service, Memphis was decommissioned on 1 April 2011 at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut. • Presidential Visit: President Ronald Reagan visited USS Memphis in August 1981, highlighting the submarine’s importance and the Navy’s focus on undersea capabilities during the Cold War.