USS Tennessee (SSBN-734)

USS ''Tennessee'' (SSBN-734) is a United States Navy ballistic missile submarine that has been in commission since 1988. She is the fourth ship and first submarine of the U.S. Navy to be named for Tennessee, the 16th state.Two ships of the Confederate States Navy were named CSS ''Tennessee''.

Construction and commissioning

''Tennessee'' construction was authorized in fiscal year 1980, and the contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, on 7 January 1982. Her keel was laid down there on 9 June 1986. She was launched on 13 December 1986, sponsored by Mrs. Landess Kelso, and commissioned on 17 December 1988, with Captain Dennis Witzenburg in command of the Blue Crew and Captain Kenneth D. Barker in command of the Gold Crew.

The ''Tennessee'' was the first ''Ohio''-class submarine commissioned capable of launching the Trident II ballistic missile (D5). On 21 March 1989, off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, the ''Tennessee'' attempted the first submerged launch of the D5 which failed four seconds into the flight. Once the problem was understood, relatively simple changes were made and the first successful submerged test launch of a D5 missile was completed on 2 August 1989 by the ''Tennessee'' Gold Crew.

Service History

In 2021, ''Tennessee'' entered drydock to undergo a major overhaul at TRF Kings Bay, one that the facility says is the longest and most extensive work package it has executed in its history.

In December 2022, ''Tennessee'' conducted a training exercise in the Atlantic with HMS Victorious (S29).

Commander of the United States European Command, General Christopher G. Cavoli, embarked the ''Tennessee'' in July 2023 alongside William J. Houston who, at the time, held the position of Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic. They were given a formal tour by the crew.

In July 2023, ''Tennessee'' made a scheduled port visit to HMNB Clyde in Scotland. Simultaneously, the USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) pulled into the Busan Naval Base in South Korea. This was allegedly conducted as a show of force and to show the capabilities of the U.S. SSBN Fleet. The following year, July 2024, the ''Tennessee'' made yet another port call to HMNB Clyde. Prior to this, it had conducted operations in the Norwegian Sea alongside the USS Normandy (CG-60), where it was reported that the Norwegian Flag Commodore Trond Gimmingsrud embarked ''Tennessee'' for a demonstration of SSBN operations. During its transits into HMNB Clyde, HMS Northumberland (F238) was seen escorting the Submarine.

''Tennessee'' was awarded the Battle Effectiveness Award in 2023. ''Tennessee'' additionally won a second "Battle E" award in 2024.

On 22 November 2024, Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh and Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter toured ''Tennessee'' in Kings Bay, Georgia as the boat was undergoing refit. They were given a formal tour by the crew. They additionally toured the Kings Bay Naval Base.

Following its 2023 and 2024 back to back "Battle E" awards, the ''Tennessee'' was among the various units chosen to receive the 2024 Omaha Trophy, representing the Submarine side of Strategic Deterrence for the 2024 fiscal year.

In popular culture

*In Tom Clancy's 1994 novel ''Debt of Honor'', ''Tennessee'' is one of several submarines sent to deal with a Japanese invasion of the Northern Mariana Islands. She is used as a "slow-attack" submarine, relying on her stealthiness and her torpedo tubes in combating Japanese forces. ''Tennessee'' is also used as a refueling point for a group of attack helicopters.

Notes

References

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External links

USS ''Tennessee''
at GlobalSecurity.org
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tennessee (SSBN-734)
Ohio-class submarines
Cold War submarines of the United States
Nuclear submarines of the United States Navy
Ships built in Groton, Connecticut
1986 ships
Submarines of the United States