About this Unit
USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) was the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine of the George Washington class, commissioned into the United States Navy on April 9, 1960. Designed to carry Polaris ballistic missiles, she played a critical role in the U.S. strategic deterrent during the Cold War. Patrick Henry completed over 31 deterrent patrols, primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, before being converted to an attack submarine (SSN) in 1982 as her missile systems were removed. The submarine was decommissioned on May 25, 1984, after more than two decades of service.
Historical Facts
• First of Her Name: USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599) was the first U.S. Navy ship named after Patrick Henry, a prominent figure in the American Revolution known for his "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech.
• George Washington-class: She was the second George Washington-class ballistic missile submarine, designed to carry the Polaris nuclear missile.
• Commissioned in 1960: USS Patrick Henry was commissioned on April 9, 1960, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, marking a significant step in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrence strategy.
• Record Underwater Patrol: In 1961, Patrick Henry set a record by patrolling submerged for 66 consecutive days and 22 hours, an impressive feat for the time.
• Dual Crew System: Like other "41 for Freedom" subs, she operated with Blue and Gold crews to maximize operational patrol time.
• First Deterrent Patrol: Her first Polaris missile deterrent patrol began in December 1960, soon after commissioning, showcasing the immediate readiness of the new missile subs.
• 100th Polaris Patrol: Patrick Henry completed the 100th deterrent patrol by a Polaris submarine in April 1964, a milestone in the U.S. Navy’s strategic deterrent force.
• Presidential Recognition: President John F. Kennedy visited the USS Patrick Henry in December 1962 at Holy Loch, Scotland, highlighting the importance of ballistic missile submarines during the Cold War.
• Conversion to Attack Submarine: In 1982, she was reclassified as an attack submarine (SSN-599) after her missile tubes were removed, extending her service until her decommissioning.
• Decommissioned in 1984: USS Patrick Henry was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on May 25, 1984, after over two decades of service in nuclear deterrence and submarine operations.
