.gif)
USS Maryland (SSBN-738)
Encyclopedia
USS Maryland (SSBN-738) is the 13th of 18 United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
ballistic missile submarine
Ballistic missile submarine
A ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles .-Description:Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident...
s, and has been in commission
Ship commissioning
Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship in active service, and may be regarded as a particular application of the general concepts and practices of project commissioning. The term is most commonly applied to the placing of a warship in active duty with its country's military...
since 1992. She is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named Maryland.
Marylands mission is to provide the United States of America with an undetectable and unattackable nuclear launch platform in support of the national strategy of strategic deterrence.
Construction and commissioning
The contract for the construction of Maryland was awarded on 14 March 1986. Her keel was laid down by the Electric BoatElectric boat
While a significant majority of water vessels are powered by diesel engines, with sail power and gasoline engines also remaining popular, boats powered by electricity have been used for over 120 years. Electric boats were very popular from the 1880s until the 1920s, when the internal combustion...
Division of the General Dynamics
General Dynamics
General Dynamics Corporation is a U.S. defense conglomerate formed by mergers and divestitures, and as of 2008 it is the fifth largest defense contractor in the world. Its headquarters are in West Falls Church , unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, in the Falls Church area.The company has...
Corporation at Groton
Groton, Connecticut
Groton is a town located on the Thames River in New London County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 39,907 at the 2000 census....
, Connecticut, on 22 April 1986.
Christening ceremony and launching
Maryland was christened and launchedShip naming and launching
The ceremonies involved in naming and launching naval ships are based in traditions thousands of years old.-Methods of launch:There are three principal methods of conveying a new ship from building site to water, only two of which are called "launching." The oldest, most familiar, and most widely...
in a ceremony on 10 August 1991 at the Electric Boat shipyard
Shipyard
Shipyards and dockyards are places which repair and build ships. These can be yachts, military vessels, cruise liners or other cargo or passenger ships. Dockyards are sometimes more associated with maintenance and basing activities than shipyards, which are sometimes associated more with initial...
. The program opened with the U.S. national anthem
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
, "The Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort McHenry", a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy ships...
" performed by the United States Navy Band Northeast, led by Chief Musician Steven R. Rawson. Mr. Roger E. Tetrault, Vice President and General Manager of Electric Boat Division, then gave welcoming remarks. Mr. James E. Turner, Jr., Executive Vice President of Marine, Land Systems and Services, General Dynamics Corporation, also gave prepared remarks for the occasion. The Director of the Maryland Veterans Commission, Mr. Clarence M. Bacon, greeted guests and crew, then turned over the podium to Vice Admiral
Vice Admiral
Vice admiral is a senior naval rank of a three-star flag officer, which is equivalent to lieutenant general in the other uniformed services. A vice admiral is typically senior to a rear admiral and junior to an admiral...
Kenneth C. Malley, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command
Naval Sea Systems Command
The Naval Sea Systems Command is the largest of the U.S. Navy's five "systems commands," or materiel organizations...
. Vice Admiral Henry G. Chiles, Jr.
Henry G. Chiles, Jr.
Henry Goodman Chiles, Jr. is a retired United States Navy four star admiral who served as Commander in Chief, United States Strategic Command , from 1994 to 1996, the first naval officer to command all of the strategic nuclear forces of the United States.-Education:Henry G. Chiles, Jr...
, Commander Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet, introduced the principal speaker, The Honorable Helen Delich Bentley U.S. Representative
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
for Maryland's Second Congressional District
Maryland's 2nd congressional district
Maryland's 2nd congressional district elects a representative to the United States House of Representatives every two years. The district comprises parts of Harford, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties, as well as small portions of the City of Baltimore...
. Mr. James E. Turner Jr. then returned to the podium to introduce the sponsor, Sarah "Sally" Craig Larson. After a short blessing of the ship by Captain
Captain (naval)
Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
A. Byron Holderby, Ms. Larson, along with Matron of Honor Kirsten L. Datko and Maid of Honor Erica L. Larson, christened pre-commissioning unit Maryland, and Maryland was launched.
Commissioning
On 13 June 1992, Maryland was formally commissionedShip commissioning
Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship in active service, and may be regarded as a particular application of the general concepts and practices of project commissioning. The term is most commonly applied to the placing of a warship in active duty with its country's military...
into U.S. Naval service as USS Maryland, with Captain
Captain (naval)
Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
John W. Francis in command of the Blue crew and Captain
Captain (naval)
Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
Harold E. Marshall in command of the Gold crew. The principal speaker was Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
Charles R. Larson
Charles R. Larson
Charles R. Larson is a retired four-star Admiral of the United States Navy.-Military career:A 1958 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Larson twice served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He also served as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific...
, Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Command
United States Pacific Command
The United States Pacific Command is a Unified Combatant Command of the United States armed forces responsible for the Pacific Ocean area. It is led by the Commander, Pacific Command , who is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving...
.
At this point the Blue crew retained the ship for shakedown operations, while the Gold crew departed to King's Bay
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is a base of the United States Navy located adjacent to the town of St. Marys in Camden County, Georgia, in southeastern Georgia, and not far from Jacksonville, Florida. The Submarine Base is the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's home port for U.S. Navy Fleet ballistic missile...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
to start their offcrew training cycle.
Service history
USS Maryland departed Groton for King's Bay on 15 June 1992 and immediately started preparation for strategic certification, with the Blue crew achieving a successful test launch on 29 Jul 1992, and starting Trident D-5 missile Demonstration and Shakedown Operations (DASO) on 7 July 1992.The first exchange of command occurred on 4 September 1992, with the Gold crew taking charge of USS Maryland, and completing their phase of DASO on 22 October 1992. Various other inspections and training exercises were conducted throughout 1992.
The Blue crew relieved the Gold crew 26 January 1993 and continued with preparations for strategic certification. USS Maryland returned to Groton on 30 January 1993 for post-shakedown maintenance prior to assuming responsibility for strategic deterrent patrols. Maryland returned to King's Bay on 9 April 1993.
Maryland completed various weapons and tactical certifications and then returned to King's Bay on 4 May 1993 to join Submarine Squadron 20 (SUBRON 20) and commence preparations for the first strategic deterrent patrol. The initial loadout of Trident D-5 missiles was completed at this point.
The Gold crew relieved the Blue crew 7 May 1993 and continued the refit. On 19 June 1993 Maryland went underway on her first strategic deterrent patrol, which started her strategic patrol cycle.
Grounding
On 24 September 1993, Maryland ran aground at Port CanaveralPort Canaveral
Port Canaveral is a cruise, cargo and naval port in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world with nearly 2.8 million multi-day cruise passengers passing through during 2010. As a deep water cargo port, it has a high volume of traffic. Over of bulk...
, Florida, after conducting a medical evacuation of an ill crew member, and returned to King's Bay to inspect for damage. Damage was minimal, and the investigation found that the crew was not responsible. Maryland resumed its second deterrent patrol on the 26th.
Servicemember Deaths
On 5 May 2002, ETC(SS) LeRoy W. Young died of a heart attack while deployed with Maryland. His funeral was held while Maryland was in port, 12 May 2002, and the ship resumed its patrol shortly afterwards.Trident Missile Testing
Maryland has been involved in several Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Tests (FCET) of its Trident D-5 missile system. The FCET launches a specially modified missile without a nuclear payload, and is used to test the performance of the Trident missile system.- FCET 10, performed 3 January 1994. 4 missiles launched.
- FCET 14, performed 21 April 1996. 2 missiles launched.
- FCET 21, performed 26 April 1999. 2 missiles launched.
- FCET 30, performed 5 November 2003. 2 missiles launched.
- FCET 36, performed 21 November 2006. 2 missiles launched.
- FCET 42, performed 8 June 2010. 2 missiles launched.
- FCET 43, performed 9 June 2010. 2 missiles launched.
Live Fire Exercise
On 16 October 2001, Maryland joined the Battle Group in an exerciseSINKEX
SINKEX or Sink Exercise is a US military term for the test of a weapons system usually involving a torpedo or missile attack of an unmanned target ship. The US Navy sometimes refers to this type of exercise as a HULKEX...
that resulted in the sinking of ex-. Maryland fired one Mark 48 torpedo
Mark 48 torpedo
The Mark 48 and its improved ADCAP variant are heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoes. They were designed to sink fast, deep-diving nuclear-powered submarines and high-performance surface ships.-History:...
during the exercise, which finally sank ex-Guam.
Awards
USS Maryland has been the recipient of many awards, including the following:- 1995 Submarine Squadron 20 Battle "E" award (both crews).
- 1997 Submarine Squadron 20 Battle "E" award (both crews).
- 2001 Submarine Squadron 20 Battle "E" award (Blue crew).
- 2002 Submarine Squadron 20 Battle "E" award (both crews).
- 2003 Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial award (for outstanding food service) (Gold crew).
- 2004 Submarine Squadron 16 Battle "E" award (both crews).
- 2005 Chief of Naval OperationsChief of Naval OperationsThe Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
Afloat Safety award (Blue crew). - 2008 Submarine Squadron 20 Battle "E" award (both crews).
- 2008 Omaha TrophyOmaha TrophyThe Omaha Trophy, which is sponsored by the United States Strategic Command and the STRATCOM Consultation Committee, is awarded each year to U.S. military units with intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic aircraft, strategic space and information operations, as well as to the best...
winner (both crews). This prestigious award is given to the strategic command with the highest performance standards. - 2009 Submarine Squadron 20 Battle "E" award (both crews).
Current Service
USS Maryland is currently part of both Submarine Squadron 20 (itself part of United States Fleet Forces CommandUnited States Fleet Forces Command
The United States Fleet Forces Command is an Atlantic Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources that are under the operational control of the United States Northern Command...
) and the United States Strategic Command
United States Strategic Command
United States Strategic Command is one of nine Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Department of Defense . The Command, including components, employs more than 2,700 people, representing all four services, including DoD civilians and contractors, who oversee the command's operationally...
, with her home port
Home port
A vessel's home port is the port at which it is based, which may not be the same as its port of registry shown on its registration documents and lettered on the stern of the ship's hull...
at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is a base of the United States Navy located adjacent to the town of St. Marys in Camden County, Georgia, in southeastern Georgia, and not far from Jacksonville, Florida. The Submarine Base is the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's home port for U.S. Navy Fleet ballistic missile...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
Symbolism of the USS Maryland insignia
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Navy. The arms of Maryland hail the state's historical roots, while the submarine indicates the present-day USS Maryland is an Ohio-class submarine. The tridentTrident
A trident , also called a trishul or leister or gig, is a three-pronged spear. It is used for spear fishing and was also a military weapon. Tridents are featured widely in mythical, historical and modern culture. The major Hindu god, Shiva the Destroyer and the sea god Poseidon or Neptune are...
represents U.S. Navy weaponry and sea prowess; its bottom spike points to the ocean depths, the area of operations of Maryland. The heraldic dolphins symbolize speed, intelligence, and the ability to penetrate the deep. The wreath
Wreath
A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and/or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. They are used typically as Christmas decorations to symbolize the coming of Christ, also known as the Advent season in Christianity. They are also used as festive headdresses...
of laurel
Laurel wreath
A laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay laurel , an aromatic broadleaf evergreen. In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head...
is emblematic of excellence and accomplishment; its seven stars commemorate both the seven battle stars battleship
Battleship
A battleship is a large armored warship with a main battery consisting of heavy caliber guns. Battleships were larger, better armed and armored than cruisers and destroyers. As the largest armed ships in a fleet, battleships were used to attain command of the sea and represented the apex of a...
earned in World War II and that the state of Maryland was the seventh state to be admitted to the Union.
Seal
The coat of armsCoat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
is emblazoned upon a white oval enclosed by a blue collar edged on the outside with gold rope and is inscribed in gold letters with the words "USS Maryland" above and "SSBN-738" below.
Blazon
The shield features the arms of the state of Maryland, which are historically derived from the quartered arms of the CalvertGeorge Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore
Sir George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, 8th Proprietary Governor of Newfoundland was an English politician and colonizer. He achieved domestic political success as a Member of Parliament and later Secretary of State under King James I...
and Crossland families. Its main color is blue, highlighted with silver. Beneath the shield is a scroll in blue, displaying the motto Timete Deum Solum et Ignominiam ("Fear Only God and Dishonor") inscribed in gold letters. This is all superimposed upon a trident wreathed in laurel decorated with seven stars. The trident's bottom spike is flanked by two dolphins.
USS Maryland in fiction
- In Tom ClancyTom ClancyThomas Leo "Tom" Clancy, Jr. is an American author, best known for his technically detailed espionage, military science, and techno thriller storylines set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War, along with video games on which he did not work, but which bear his name for licensing and...
's 1994 novel Debt of HonorDebt of HonorDebt of Honor is a novel by Tom Clancy. It is a continuation of the series featuring his character Jack Ryan. In this installment, Ryan has become the National Security Advisor when the Japanese government goes to war with the United States...
, Maryland is one of several submarines sent to deal with a Japanese invasionInvasionAn invasion is a military offensive consisting of all, or large parts of the armed forces of one geopolitical entity aggressively entering territory controlled by another such entity, generally with the objective of either conquering, liberating or re-establishing control or authority over a...
of the Northern Mariana IslandsNorthern Mariana IslandsThe Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands , is a commonwealth in political union with the United States, occupying a strategic region of the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines...
. - In the 1998 film Ice, Maryland is sent to evacuate VIPVIPVIP and V.I.P. is a three-letter acronym that may refer to:-In general:* Vacuum insulated panel* Values, Influence, and Peers, an anti-crime campaign in Ontario elementary schools* Variable Information Printing, a form of on-demand printing...
s from the frozen United States West Coast because the coastline was ice-locked. preventing surface vessels from approaching the shore.
External links
- USS Maryland (SSBN-738) command histories – Naval History & Heritage Command