USS Nathanael Greene SSBN 636

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.