Ethan Allen-class
Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines
41 FOR FREEDOM
SSBN-608 TO SSBN-618
The first ballistic missile submarines designed from the keel up as SSBNs - not converted from attack boat hulls. Larger, quieter, and deeper-diving than the George Washingtons, with purpose-built missile compartments. Ethan Allen conducted the only live nuclear SLBM test in history. All five were later reclassified as attack submarines or SOF transports after SALT II.
SSBN-608 USS Ethan Allen
Only Live Nuclear SLBM Test
ATLANTIC
General Dynamics EB
ETHAN ALLEN CLASS
Polaris A2/A3
Missile
Groton
Homeport
Decomm. 1983
Status
Conducted the only complete test of a U.S. strategic nuclear weapon system - on May 6, 1962, launched a live Polaris A-1 missile with a nuclear warhead that detonated at the Christmas Island test range during Operation Dominic. No other SSBN has ever fired a live nuclear SLBM. Reclassified SSN-608 in 1980.
SSBN-609 USS Sam Houston
SOF Transport
ATLANTIC
Newport News Shipbuilding
ETHAN ALLEN CLASS
Polaris A2/A3
Missile
Charleston
Homeport
Decomm. 1991
Status
After SALT II missile removal, reclassified as an attack submarine (SSN-609) and converted for special operations forces transport. Equipped with dry deck shelters for SEAL Delivery Vehicles. Served as a covert SOF platform until 1991 - the Cold War's underwater taxi for special operations.
SSBN-610 USS Thomas A. Edison
PACIFIC
General Dynamics EB
ETHAN ALLEN CLASS
Polaris A2/A3
Missile
Pearl Harbor
Homeport
Decomm. 1983
Status
Pacific Fleet boomer that conducted deterrent patrols from Pearl Harbor and Guam. Named for America's greatest inventor. Reclassified SSN-610 in 1980 after SALT II and decommissioned three years later.
SSBN-611 USS John Marshall
SOF Transport
ATLANTIC
Newport News Shipbuilding
ETHAN ALLEN CLASS
Polaris A2/A3
Missile
Norfolk
Homeport
Decomm. 1992
Status
Like Sam Houston, converted for special warfare operations after SALT II missile removal. Reclassified SSN-611 and equipped with dry deck shelters for SOF delivery. Named for the longest-serving Chief Justice, who established the principle of judicial review.
SSBN-618 USS Thomas Jefferson
ATLANTIC
Newport News Shipbuilding
ETHAN ALLEN CLASS
Polaris A3
Missile
Pearl Harbor
Homeport
Decomm. 1985
Status
Named for the third president and author of the Declaration of Independence. Carried Polaris A-3 missiles with multiple reentry vehicles - a precursor to the MIRVed warheads that would define later deterrent patrols. Reclassified SSN-618 in 1981.
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