USS Phoenix (SSN-702)

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Branch

U.S. Navy

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About USS Phoenix (SSN-702)

USS Phoenix (SSN-702) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the United States Navy, commissioned on December 19, 1981. Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, Phoenix served during the latter years of the Cold War, participating in numerous missions including intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and fleet operations. The submarine earned a reputation for operational excellence and contributed significantly to the Navy's undersea capabilities during her service. USS Phoenix was decommissioned on July 29, 1998, after nearly 17 years of distinguished service.

Unit Members

Neil Suermann

U.S. Navy

USS Phoenix (SSN-702)View Profile

Robert Jarrell

U.S. Navy

USS Phoenix (SSN-702)View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Phoenix (SSN-702)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Los Angeles-class Submarine: USS Phoenix (SSN-702) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, one of the most successful and numerous submarine classes in US Navy history. • Named for a City: She was the first ship in the US Navy to be named after Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, continuing the tradition of naming submarines after US cities. • Commissioning: USS Phoenix was commissioned on December 19, 1981, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, with Captain William C. Rothwell in command. • Cold War Service: Most of her operational life took place during the Cold War, performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW), intelligence gathering, and surveillance missions. • Advanced Technology: As a Los Angeles-class submarine, Phoenix featured advanced sonar, navigation, and weapons control systems for its time, including the ability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. • Under-ice Operations: Phoenix participated in under-ice operations, an essential capability for tracking Soviet submarines and demonstrating US Navy presence in the Arctic. • Homeport: Her homeport was Norfolk, Virginia, and she was assigned to Submarine Squadron 6, a key unit in Atlantic Fleet submarine operations. • Decommissioning: After 17 years of service, USS Phoenix was decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on July 29, 1998. • Reactor Compartment Disposal: Following decommissioning, her nuclear reactor compartment was removed and disposed of as part of the US Navy's Ship-Submarine Recycling Program in Bremerton, Washington. • Crest and Motto: The ship's crest featured a phoenix rising from flames, symbolizing rebirth and resilience, and her motto was "Resurgam"—Latin for "I Shall Rise Again."