USS Tennessee SSBN 734

• Namesake Legacy: USS Tennessee (SSBN-734) is the fourth U.S. Navy ship named after the state of Tennessee, continuing a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century. • First Trident II Submarine: She was the first submarine to be equipped and deployed with the Trident II D5 ballistic missile, marking a significant technological leap in U.S. strategic deterrence. • Launch and Commissioning: Tennessee was launched on December 13, 1986, by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, and commissioned on December 17, 1988. • Homeport: Her homeport is Kings Bay, Georgia, which is one of only two bases for the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet ballistic missile submarines. • Blue and Gold Crews: Like all U.S. ballistic missile submarines, Tennessee operates with two crews, Blue and Gold, to maximize operational availability and readiness. • Stealth and Endurance: As an Ohio-class submarine, Tennessee can remain submerged for months at a time, limited only by food supplies and crew endurance, making her an essential part of the U.S. nuclear triad. • Submarine Force Learning Site: Tennessee has often served as a platform for training new submariners, helping to develop the next generation of submarine officers and crew. • Symbolic Crest: The ship’s crest includes the state flag of Tennessee and a trident, symbolizing her namesake and her mission as part of America’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. • Public Recognition: In 2008, Tennessee received the Omaha Trophy for outstanding performance in strategic deterrence operations, a prestigious award from U.S. Strategic Command. • Notable Milestone: In 2019, USS Tennessee completed her 100th strategic deterrent patrol, reflecting decades of silent service beneath the seas in defense of the United States.