Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines

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.