About this Unit
USS Tecumseh (SSBN-628) was a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the renowned Shawnee leader Tecumseh, the submarine played a vital role during the Cold War as part of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent, conducting numerous deterrent patrols armed with Polaris and later Poseidon ballistic missiles. Tecumseh operated primarily in the Atlantic, ensuring the effectiveness of the United States’ second-strike capability. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.
Historical Facts
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Named After a Shawnee Chief: USS Tecumseh (SSBN-628) was named after the famous Shawnee leader Tecumseh, renowned for his efforts to unite Native American tribes against American expansion in the early 1800s.
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Benjamin Franklin-Class Submarine: She was a member of the Benjamin Franklin-class fleet ballistic missile submarines, designed to carry and launch nuclear missiles as part of the United States Navy's strategic deterrent force during the Cold War.
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Launched in 1963: The USS Tecumseh was launched on June 22, 1963, at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, and commissioned on May 29, 1964.
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Polaris and Poseidon Missiles: Initially equipped with Polaris A-3 ballistic missiles, she was later upgraded to carry Poseidon C-3 missiles, significantly enhancing her strike capability.
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Blue and Gold Crews: Like all "41 for Freedom" ballistic missile submarines, the Tecumseh operated with two alternating crews, Blue and Gold, to maximize her operational deployment at sea.
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First Deterrent Patrol: The submarine conducted her first strategic deterrent patrol in December 1964, quickly becoming a key element in the United States' nuclear triad.
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Pacific and Atlantic Service: Originally assigned to the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, she transferred to the Atlantic Fleet in 1969, reflecting changing strategic needs.
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Highly Decorated: USS Tecumseh earned several awards during her service, including the Navy Unit Commendation and multiple Battle Efficiency "E" awards for excellence.
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Decommissioned and Recycled: After over 25 years of service and 21 strategic deterrent patrols, she was decommissioned on July 23, 1993, and scrapped through the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program by 1994.
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Legacy and Memorials: Pieces of Tecumseh’s sail and other memorabilia are preserved in museums and naval memorials, honoring her contributions to Cold War deterrence and submarine history.
