By Troy Turner
August 2022
The USS Alabama nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine achieved a significant naval milestone when it completed its 100th patrol in autumn 2021, and not to be lost in recognition is the success it continues to provide today in its primary mission: Serving as a major deterrent to potential enemies by sailing with its massive firepower.
The Alabama, designated as SSBN 731, is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Bangor, Washington. It is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile subs that call the base home.
It also is the seventh U.S. Navy ship to bear the Alabama name.
Ohio class submarines are designed for extended, undetectable deterrent patrols and as a launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles.
USS Alabama, which was commissioned May 25, 1985, carries a complement of 15 officers and 140 enlisted sailors.
It can reach speeds of 25 knots, and its armament includes MK-48 torpedoes and up to 20 Trident II D-5 ballistic missiles.
“Keeping our SSBNs ready to fight requires more time and resources than in the past, which in turn has required the ships to stay at sea longer while repairs are done on our sister ships,” said commanding officer Cmdr. Brian Murphy. “For example, Alabama’s 100th patrol was 132 days long, the fourth longest strategic deterrence patrol in the history of the Ohio-class SSBN force.”
Only two other Ohio class submarines, the USS Alaska (SSBN 732) and USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730), have reached the 100 mark.
“One hundred patrols speaks to its longevity and the success of the fleet; 100 patrols is pretty uncommon,” said Chief Electronics Technician (Navigation) Josh Jones, assistant navigator.
Commander Murphy agreed.
“Submarining is the ultimate team sport,” he said. “The eye-watering efforts to get the crew certified, the ship buttoned up for sea, and the ability to stay at sea for an unusually arduous patrol are a testament to the caliber of sailor who volunteers for submarine duty.
“Answering the call repeatedly to man the nation’s watch bill would not be possible without the dedication of each and every sailor onboard.”
The keel of Alabama was laid on Oct. 14, 1980, and the first crew was formed in July 1983, according to Navy records.
The Alabama was christened on May 19, 1984, at Groton, Conn., by Mrs. Barbara Dickinson, wife of former U.S. Rep. William L. Dickinson.
Following successful sea trials in April 1985, USS Alabama was commissioned at Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London, Conn.
MC1 Phillip Pavlovich of Submarine Group 9, U.S. Navy, contributed to this report.
