About this Unit
USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on October 20, 1990. Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, she is the third U.S. Navy vessel named after the state of West Virginia. As part of the Navy's strategic deterrent force, USS West Virginia carries Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and has participated in numerous deterrent patrols to maintain peace and security. The submarine continues to serve as a critical element of the United States' nuclear triad, ensuring strategic stability and national defense.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) is the third U.S. Navy ship named after the state of West Virginia, following the battleship USS West Virginia (BB-48) that was famously damaged at Pearl Harbor in 1941.
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Ohio-Class Submarine: She is part of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, the backbone of America’s nuclear deterrent since the 1980s, carrying Trident II D5 missiles.
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Commissioning Date: USS West Virginia was commissioned on October 20, 1990, at Kings Bay, Georgia, after being launched on October 14, 1989.
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Dual Crews: Like other Ohio-class boats, she operates with two alternating crews, Blue and Gold, maximizing her operational availability and time at sea.
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Impressive Size: The submarine is 560 feet long, displaces over 18,750 tons submerged, and can remain underwater for months at a time, limited only by food supplies.
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Strategic Role: USS West Virginia provides stealthy, survivable second-strike capability as part of the U.S. nuclear triad, ensuring deterrence by maintaining continuous at-sea presence.
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State Connections: The ship maintains close ties with West Virginia, frequently hosting state officials and citizens aboard during port visits, and involving state organizations in significant events.
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Notable Patrols: In 2010, USS West Virginia returned to service after a lengthy refueling and overhaul, resuming deterrent patrols and demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to long-term strategic stability.
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Crest Symbolism: The ship’s crest features the state flower (Rhododendron), the USS West Virginia battleship, and the state motto “Montani Semper Liberi” (Mountaineers are Always Free), reflecting both heritage and mission.
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Modernization: USS West Virginia has undergone several upgrades over her career, including advanced sonar, communications, and fire control systems, keeping her at the forefront of submarine technology.
