About this Unit
USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN-636) was a Benjamin Franklin-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1964. Named after the Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene, the submarine conducted deterrent patrols during the Cold War, carrying Polaris and later Poseidon nuclear missiles. Over her service, she completed numerous strategic deterrent patrols, contributing significantly to America’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The vessel was decommissioned in 1986 following damage from a grounding incident, and was later scrapped as part of the Navy's nuclear-powered ship and submarine recycling program.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN-636) was named after Major General Nathanael Greene, a prominent general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
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Polaris and Poseidon Missile Submarine: She was one of the “41 for Freedom” Polaris ballistic missile submarines and later upgraded to carry Poseidon missiles, forming a key part of the U.S. nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.
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Commissioning: The submarine was commissioned on 19 December 1964, with Captain Robert E. Crispin (Blue Crew) and Commander William M. Cossaboom (Gold Crew) as her first commanding officers.
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Dual Crew System: Like other ballistic missile subs, Nathanael Greene operated with two crews (Blue and Gold), allowing for maximum operational time at sea while crews alternated between patrols and rest/training.
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First Deterrent Patrol: The boat’s first deterrent patrol began in 1965, quickly entering the rotation of continuous patrols to maintain a constant at-sea nuclear deterrent.
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1970 Fire Incident: In 1970, while in drydock at New London, a fire broke out aboard the submarine, causing significant smoke damage but no serious injuries; the incident highlighted the dangers of working with complex weapons systems.
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Ran Aground in 1970: In August 1970, Nathanael Greene ran aground near the Isle of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire, sustaining some damage but no casualties; she was repaired and swiftly returned to service.
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Homeport Changes: Over her career, the submarine operated out of several key bases, including Rota, Spain, Holy Loch, Scotland, and later Charleston, South Carolina, reflecting changing strategic needs during the Cold War.
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Fate - Decommissioning after Accident: In March 1986, the sub ran aground in the Irish Sea, severely damaging her ballast tanks. Due to the incident and arms reduction treaties, she was decommissioned on 15 December 1986.
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Recycling and Legacy: Nathanael Greene entered the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program in 1998, and by 2000 her recycling was completed, but her sail is preserved and displayed at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.
