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USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

U.S. Navy•109 members

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About this Unit

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

U.S. Navy

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN-598) was the United States Navy's first ballistic missile submarine, commissioned on December 30, 1959. As the lead ship of her class, she played a pivotal role in the early years of the U.S. nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, conducting 55 deterrent patrols between 1960 and 1985. The submarine was equipped with Polaris ballistic missiles, significantly enhancing the Navy's strategic capabilities. USS GEORGE WASHINGTON was decommissioned on January 24, 1985, marking the end of an era for the original fleet ballistic missile submarines.

About USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

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Historical Facts

First of Her Class: USS George Washington (SSBN-598) was the lead ship of her class and the world’s first operational ballistic missile submarine, revolutionizing naval warfare when commissioned in 1959.
Missile Debut: On July 20, 1960, she became the first submarine to successfully launch a Polaris ballistic missile while submerged, marking a new era in nuclear deterrence.
Secret Construction: The submarine was originally laid down as the attack sub USS Scorpion (SSN-589), but midway through construction was secretly converted into a ballistic missile submarine.
Dual Crews: To maximize patrol time, the USS George Washington operated with two complete crews, Blue and Gold, alternating on patrols—a practice that became standard for U.S. ballistic missile subs.
First Deterrent Patrol: Her first patrol began on November 15, 1960, and she remained submerged for 66 days, establishing the feasibility of continuous at-sea deterrence.
Cold War Sentinel: During her career, the USS George Washington conducted dozens of strategic deterrent patrols, playing a key role in maintaining the nuclear balance during the Cold War.
Namesake Legacy: She was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States, continuing a tradition of naming capital ships after national leaders.
Decommissioning: The submarine was decommissioned on January 24, 1985, after 25 years of service and over 1.3 million miles steamed submerged.
Legacy on Display: The sail (conning tower) of the USS George Washington is preserved and on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut.
Successors: The name "USS George Washington" was later given to an aircraft carrier (CVN-73), continuing her legacy in the U.S. Navy fleet.

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USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

U.S. Navy•109 members

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About this Unit

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Lloyd Hopson

U.S. Navy Veteran · 2004 - 2007

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jason barnes

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1997 - 1997

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Anthony Walker

U.S. Navy Veteran · 2001 - 2008

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Raymond Highers

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 2005 - 2006

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About USS GEORGE WASHINGTON

About this Unit

Historical Facts

First of Her Class: USS George Washington (SSBN-598) was the lead ship of her class and the world’s first operational ballistic missile submarine, revolutionizing naval warfare when commissioned in 1959.
Missile Debut: On July 20, 1960, she became the first submarine to successfully launch a Polaris ballistic missile while submerged, marking a new era in nuclear deterrence.
Secret Construction: The submarine was originally laid down as the attack sub USS Scorpion (SSN-589), but midway through construction was secretly converted into a ballistic missile submarine.
Dual Crews: To maximize patrol time, the USS George Washington operated with two complete crews, Blue and Gold, alternating on patrols—a practice that became standard for U.S. ballistic missile subs.
First Deterrent Patrol: Her first patrol began on November 15, 1960, and she remained submerged for 66 days, establishing the feasibility of continuous at-sea deterrence.
Cold War Sentinel: During her career, the USS George Washington conducted dozens of strategic deterrent patrols, playing a key role in maintaining the nuclear balance during the Cold War.
Namesake Legacy: She was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States, continuing a tradition of naming capital ships after national leaders.
Decommissioning: The submarine was decommissioned on January 24, 1985, after 25 years of service and over 1.3 million miles steamed submerged.
Legacy on Display: The sail (conning tower) of the USS George Washington is preserved and on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut.
Successors: The name "USS George Washington" was later given to an aircraft carrier (CVN-73), continuing her legacy in the U.S. Navy fleet.