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History of USS Louisiana (SSBN-731)

USS Louisiana (SSBN-731) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on September 6, 1997. As the eighteenth and final boat of her class, Louisiana plays a vital role in the nation's strategic deterrence, capable of carrying Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. She operates out of Naval Base Kitsap in Washington as part of Submarine Squadron 17, conducting deterrent patrols in the Pacific Ocean. Over her service, USS Louisiana has exemplified the silent service's commitment to readiness and national security.

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ABOUT USS Louisiana (SSBN-731)

  • Ohio-class Ballistic Missile Submarine: USS Louisiana (SSBN-743) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, the last of its class, commissioned by the U.S. Navy.
  • Commissioning Date: The submarine was commissioned on September 6, 1997, making it one of the youngest Ohio-class submarines in the fleet.
  • Namesake: It is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named after the state of Louisiana.
  • Homeport: USS Louisiana is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, Washington, a strategic location for U.S. Pacific submarine forces.
  • Dual Crew System: Like all Ohio-class SSBNs, it uses a Blue and Gold crew system to maximize its time at sea, allowing for nearly continuous patrols.
  • Armed with Trident Missiles: The submarine carries up to 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, forming a critical part of America's nuclear deterrent.
  • Advanced Stealth: The Ohio-class design emphasizes stealth, making USS Louisiana extremely difficult to detect when submerged.
  • Significant Patrols: In October 2015, USS Louisiana completed the 4,000th strategic deterrent patrol by an Ohio-class submarine, marking a major milestone in U.S. naval history.
  • Collision Incident: On August 18, 2016, USS Louisiana collided with the USNS Roberts (a support vessel) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Both vessels sustained minor damage; there were no injuries or nuclear risk.
  • Symbolic Crest: The ship’s crest features a pelican (state bird of Louisiana), a trident, and the motto “United We Stand Strong,” reflecting both its namesake and mission.

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