USS West Virginia SSBN 736

• 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. • 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. • Commissioning Date: USS West Virginia was commissioned on October 20, 1990, at Kings Bay, Georgia, after being launched on October 14, 1989. • Dual Crews: Like other Ohio-class boats, she operates with two alternating crews, Blue and Gold, maximizing her operational availability and time at sea. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.