USS Alabama (SSBN-731)

USS ''Alabama'' (SSBN-731) is the sixth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, and the seventh United States vessel to be named for the state of Alabama. The boat's motto duplicates the state's motto, ''Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere'' ("We dare defend our rights").

Construction and commissioning

The contract for ''Alabama''s construction was awarded on 27 February 1978 and her keel was laid down on 14 October 1980 at Groton, Connecticut, by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics. She was launched on 19 May 1984, sponsored by Mrs. Barbara E. Dickinson, wife of William Louis Dickinson, Representative from Alabama, and commissioned at Naval Submarine Base New London at New London, Connecticut, on 25 May 1985.

Operational history

After commissioning, ''Alabama'' departed Connecticut to conduct her shakedown cruise off the coast of Florida. After several domestic maneuvers and crew changes, ''Alabama'' visited Mobile, Alabama, before heading for the Panama Canal and from there to Bangor, Washington. ''Alabama'' operated out of Bangor until mid-May 1986, when she embarked on her first strategic deterrent patrol. Operating from the Pacific Northwest, ''Alabama'' carried out four deterrent patrols between June and December 1986.

In May 1988, ''Alabama'' conducted a successful test ballistic missile firing, launching two Trident I C4 ballistic missiles. On 1 September 1988, ''Alabama'' moored at Bangor to complete her ninth deterrent patrol and the 100th strategic deterrent patrol by a Trident-armed submarine. An official ceremony commemorating the event was held pier-side with then-Undersecretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III heading the official greeting party. ''Alabama'' conducted another test ballistic missile firing in August 1989, launching four Trident I C4 ballistic missiles.

In the 1990s ''Alabama'' conducted routine refit operations out of Bangor Washington, post-refit sea trials operations in Dabob Bay, and patrol operations in the Pacific Ocean. Ports-of-call included Seattle, Washington; San Diego and Long Beach, California; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

In February 1991, ''Alabama'' was selected as the change of command platform for the Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) in Pearl Harbor. August 1992, ''Alabama'' embarked Commander-in-Chief, United States Strategic Command (CINCSTRATCOM) and his entourage of senior U.S. Air Force and Navy Officers for an at-sea submerged orientation tour concerning SSBN strategic deterrent operations. In January 1996, the boat was awarded the Battle Efficiency E and the Strategic Operations S by the Commander of Submarine Squadron 17. In March she was awarded the U.S. Strategic Command's Omaha Trophy for ballistic missile unit excellence. In March 1999, ''Alabama'' conducted exercises with the battle group and . In September she conducted underway operations for the Defense Advisory Counsel on Women in the Services.

After completing 47 strategic deterrent patrols, ''Alabama'' underwent a refit in 1999 and returned to service with numerous tactical and survivability upgrades. In spring 2000, ''Alabama'' completed her 50th strategic deterrent patrol and celebrated her 15th birthday. During February 2000 she conducted exercises with the battle group. In April she conducted a VIP cruise in Dabob Bay, Washington to host the Chief of Defense of Japan and members of his staff. In August she again conducted exercises with the USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' battle group.

''Alabama'' entered the Bremerton Annex of Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor in 2005 to undergo a nuclear reactor refueling overhaul and conversion of her ballistic missile systems to support the Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, which replaced her Trident I C4 ballistic missiles and launchers; ''Alabama'' was the last Trident C4-equipped submarine to be refitted with the Trident D5 missile system. The refueling overhaul and Trident D5 conversion was completed in February 2009.

As of April 2014, ''Alabama'' is part of Submarine Group 9 and her home port is at Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, Washington.

Alabama is the recipient of the 2016 and 2017 Battle "E", her second and third time receiving this award.

In popular culture

* ''Alabama'' is the setting for the 1995 film ''Crimson Tide'', starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. The boat itself is seen in the movie during the diving scene as it leaves port.Ryan, Tim
"Navy wasn't privy to 'Tide'"
''Reading Eagle'' (12 May 1995).
* ''Alabama'' is featured in the films ''Time Under Fire'', '' On the Beach'', and ''Danger Beneath the Sea'', which reused footage from ''Crimson Tide''.

References

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External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Alabama (SSBN-731)
Ships built in Groton, Connecticut
Ohio-class submarines
Cold War submarines of the United States
Nuclear submarines of the United States Navy
1984 ships
Submarines of the United States