USS George Washington: The First Ballistic Missile Submarine
The USS George Washington (SSBN-598) is a significant part of American naval history, marking the beginning of a new era in submarine warfare. As the first ballistic missile submarine, it played a crucial role in the United States’ nuclear deterrence strategy during the Cold War. Here are 7 key things to know about this iconic vessel:
Design and Construction
The USS George Washington was designed and built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. Its construction began in 1958, and it was launched on June 9, 1959. The submarine was specifically designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles, a new capability that would revolutionize naval warfare.
🚨 Note: The USS George Washington was the first submarine to be designed from the outset as a ballistic missile platform, rather than being converted from an existing attack submarine design.
Missile Capabilities
The USS George Washington was equipped with 16 Polaris A1 missiles, each capable of delivering a 600-kiloton nuclear warhead. The Polaris missile system was a major innovation in submarine-launched ballistic missiles, allowing the USS George Washington to launch missiles from beneath the ocean’s surface. This capability greatly increased the effectiveness of the submarine as a deterrent and a potential retaliatory strike platform.
- Polaris A1 missile specifications:
- Range: approximately 1,200 nautical miles (2,222 kilometers)
- Warhead yield: 600 kilotons
- Guidance system: inertial guidance
Reactor and Propulsion
The USS George Washington was powered by a single S5W nuclear reactor, which provided the energy needed to propel the submarine through the water. The reactor was connected to a steam turbine, which drove a single propeller shaft. This propulsion system allowed the USS George Washington to operate at high speeds and remain submerged for extended periods.
| Reactor specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Reactor type | S5W nuclear reactor |
| Power output | 15,000 horsepower (11,185 kilowatts) |
| Propulsion system | Steam turbine connected to a single propeller shaft |
Operational History
The USS George Washington was commissioned on December 30, 1959, and began its first patrol in November 1960. Over the course of its operational life, the submarine conducted numerous patrols and was involved in several notable events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
🚨 Note: The USS George Washington played a key role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, serving as a deterrent and providing a visible presence of American military power in the region.
Decommissioning and Legacy
The USS George Washington was decommissioned on January 24, 1985, after a distinguished career spanning over 25 years. The submarine’s legacy extends beyond its operational life, as it paved the way for the development of future ballistic missile submarines. Today, the USS George Washington is remembered as a pioneering vessel that helped to shape the course of naval history.
Key Statistics
- Length: 380 feet (115.8 meters)
- Beam: 33 feet (10.1 meters)
- Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
- Displacement: 6,000 tons (surfaced), 7,000 tons (submerged)
- Speed: 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour)
- Crew: 120 officers and enlisted personnel
What was the primary mission of the USS George Washington?
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The primary mission of the USS George Washington was to serve as a ballistic missile submarine, providing a nuclear deterrent capability for the United States.
What type of missiles did the USS George Washington carry?
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The USS George Washington carried Polaris A1 ballistic missiles, each capable of delivering a 600-kiloton nuclear warhead.
When was the USS George Washington decommissioned?
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The USS George Washington was decommissioned on January 24, 1985.
The USS George Washington played a significant role in shaping the course of naval history, serving as the first ballistic missile submarine and paving the way for future generations of submarines. Its legacy continues to be felt today, and its impact on the development of submarine warfare remains unparalleled.
Related Terms:
- George Washington class submarine
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
- USS Nautilus
- uss ohio
- USS George Washington
- uss halibut
