USS Maryland (SSBN-738)

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USS Maryland (SSBN-738)
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USS Maryland (SSBN-738)
History
Flag of the United States.svgUnited States
Namesake State of Maryland
Ordered14 March 1986
Builder General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut
Laid down22 April 1986
Launched10 August 1991
Sponsored bySarah "Sally" Craig Larson
Commissioned13 June 1992
Homeport Kings Bay, Georgia
Motto
  • Timete Deum Solum et Ignominiam
  • ("Fear Only God and Dishonor")
Nickname(s)"Fighting Mary" [1]
Statusin active service
Badge USS Maryland (SSBN-738) Crest.png
General characteristics
Class and type Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine
Displacement
  • 16,764 long tons (17,033 t) surfaced [2] [3]
  • 18,750 long tons (19,050 t) submerged [2]
Length560 ft (170 m)
Beam42 ft (13 m) [2]
Draft38 ft (12 m)
Propulsion
SpeedGreater than 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) [6]
Test depthGreater than 800 feet (240 m) [6]
Complement
Armament

USS Maryland (SSBN-738) is an Ohio-class submarine in the United States Navy. Maryland is the 13th of the 18 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, and has been in active service since 1992. Maryland is the fourth US Navy vessel to be named after the US state of Maryland. Her mission is to provide the United States government with an undetectable and unattackable nuclear launch platform in support of the national strategy of strategic deterrence. [7] The contract for the construction of the Maryland was awarded on 14 March 1986. Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Division of the General Dynamics Corporation at Groton, Connecticut, on 22 April 1986.

Contents

Christening and launching

Maryland was christened and launched on 10 August 1991 during a ceremony held at the Electric Boat shipyard. Vice Admiral Kenneth C. Malley, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Vice Admiral Henry G. Chiles, Jr., Commander Submarine Force US Atlantic Fleet and Helen Delich Bentley, the U.S. representative for Maryland's 2nd congressional district were in attendance, along with ship sponsor, Sarah Craig Larson, wife of Admiral Charles R. Larson.

Commissioning

On 13 June 1992, Maryland was formally commissioned into US Naval service. [8] The principal speaker was Admiral Charles R. Larson, Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Command.

Service history

Maryland departed Groton for Kings Bay on 15 June 1992 and immediately started preparation for strategic certification, with a successful test launch on 29 Jul 1992, and starting Trident D-5 missile Demonstration and Shakedown Operations (DASO) on 7 July 1992. [8] DASO was completed on 22 October 1992. Various other inspections and training exercises were conducted throughout 1992. [8] Maryland returned to Groton on 30 January 1993 for post-shakedown maintenance prior to assuming responsibility for strategic deterrent patrols. Maryland returned to Kings Bay, Georgia on 9 April 1993. [9] Maryland completed various weapons and tactical certifications and then returned to Kings Bay on 4 May 1993 to join Submarine Squadron 20 and commence preparations for the first strategic deterrent patrol. The initial loadout of Trident D-5 missiles was completed at this point. [9] On 19 June 1993 Maryland went underway on her first strategic deterrent patrol, which started her strategic patrol cycle. [9] On 21 September 2012 Maryland combined crews in preparation for mid-life refueling and overhaul at Norfolk Naval Ship Yard.[ citation needed ]

Grounding

On 24 September 1993, Maryland ran aground at Port Canaveral, Florida, after conducting a medical evacuation of an ill crew member, and returned to Kings Bay to inspect for damage. Damage to the submarine was minimal, and the investigation found that the crew was not responsible. Maryland then resumed her second deterrent patrol on 26 September 1993. [9]

Trident SLBM missile testing

Maryland has been involved in several Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Tests (FCET) of its Trident D-5 SLBM 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.

Live fire exercise

On 16 October 2001, Maryland joined the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Carrier Battle Group in a sink exercise. Maryland fired one Mark 48 torpedo which sank ex-USS Guam (LPH-9). [15] [16]

Awards

2008 Omaha Trophy presented Maryland's Blue and Gold crews 2008-maryland-omaha-trophy.jpg
2008 Omaha Trophy presented Maryland's Blue and Gold crews

Maryland has been the recipient of many awards, including the following:

Current status

Maryland is currently part of both United States Fleet Forces Command Submarine Squadron 20 and the United States Strategic Command. Her home port is Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

Symbolism of the Maryland insignia

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the United States Navy. The arms of Maryland hail the state's historical roots, while the submarine indicates the present-day Maryland is an Ohio-class submarine. The trident represents U.S. Navy weaponry and sea prowess; its bottom spike points to the ocean depths, the area of Maryland's operations. The heraldic dolphins symbolize speed, intelligence, and the ability to penetrate the deep. The laurel wreath is emblematic of excellence and accomplishment; its seven stars commemorate both the seven battle stars that battleship USS Maryland (BB-46) earned in World War II and that the state of Maryland was the seventh state to be admitted to the Union.

Seal

Maryland's coat of arms 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 historically derives from the quartered arms of the Calvert 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.

Related Research Articles

<i>Ohio</i>-class submarine Class of US nuclear ballistic missile submarines

The Ohio class of nuclear-powered submarines includes the United States Navy's 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and its four cruise missile submarines (SSGNs). Each displacing 18,750 tons submerged, the Ohio-class boats are the largest submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy. They are also the third-largest submarines ever built, behind the Russian Navy's Soviet era 48,000-ton Typhoon class, the last of which was retired in 2023, and 24,000-ton Borei class. Capable of carrying 24 Trident II missiles apiece, the Ohio class are equipped with just as many missiles as, if not more than, either the Borei class (16) or the deactivated Typhoon class (20).

USS <i>Ohio</i> (SSGN-726) Submarine of the United States

USS Ohio (SSBN-726/SSGN-726), the lead boat of her class of nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), is the fourth vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the U.S. state of Ohio. She was commissioned with the hull designation of SSBN-726, and with her conversion to a guided missile submarine she was re-designated SSGN-726.

USS <i>John Marshall</i> Submarine of the United States

USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) was an Ethan Allen-class submarine, the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for John Marshall (1755–1835), the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. Originally a fleet ballistic missile submarine designated SSBN-611, she later was reclassified as an attack submarine and re-designated SSN-611.

USS <i>Will Rogers</i> Submarine of the United States

USS Will Rogers (SSBN-659) was a Benjamin Franklin-class ballistic missile submarine – the last of the "41 for Freedom" Polaris submarines. She was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for humorist Will Rogers (1879–1935).

USS <i>Alexander Hamilton</i> (SSBN-617) Submarine of the United States

USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN-617) was a United States Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine. It was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, the first US Secretary of the Treasury, who was instrumental in the formation of both the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy.

USS <i>Henry L. Stimson</i> Submarine of the United States

USS Henry L. Stimson (SSBN-655), a Benjamin Franklin class fleet ballistic missile submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Henry L. Stimson (1867–1950), who served as U.S. Secretary of State (1929–1933) and U.S. Secretary of War.

USS <i>Simon Bolivar</i> Submarine of the United States

USS Simon Bolivar (SSBN-641), a Benjamin Franklin class fleet ballistic missile submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Simón Bolívar (1783–1830), the Venezuelan hero of the independence movements of the former Spanish colonies in South America.

USS <i>Georgia</i> (SSGN-729) Ohio-class submarine

USS Georgia (SSBN-729/SSGN-729), an Ohio-class cruise missile submarine, is the second vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the U.S. state of Georgia.

USS <i>Alabama</i> (SSBN-731) Ohio-class submarine

USS Alabama (SSBN-731) is the sixth Ohio-class 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.

USS <i>Florida</i> (SSGN-728) Submarine of the United States

USS Florida (SSBN-728/SSGN-728), an Ohio-class cruise missile submarine, is the sixth vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the U.S. state of Florida. She was commissioned with the hull designation of SSBN-728; with her conversion to a cruise missile submarine, from a ballistic missile submarine, she was re-designated SSGN-728.

USS <i>Nebraska</i> (SSBN-739) Submarine of the United States

USS Nebraska (SSBN-739) is the 14th Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, and the second United States Navy vessel to be named in honor of Nebraska, the 37th state. She carries Trident ballistic missiles.

USS <i>Wyoming</i> (SSBN-742) Submarine of the United States

USS Wyoming (SSBN-742) is a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine which has been in commission since 1996. She is the fourth US Navy ship to be named USS Wyoming, although it was only the third named after the state of Wyoming.

USS <i>Alaska</i> (SSBN-732) Submarine of the United States

USS Alaska (SSBN-732), is a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine which has been in commission since 1986. She is the fourth US Navy ship to be named for the Territory or State of Alaska.

USS <i>Henry M. Jackson</i> United States Navy submarine

USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730) is an Ohio-class, nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, in commission with the United States Navy since 1984. She is named for US Senator Henry M. Jackson of the state of Washington, and is the only submarine of the class not named after a US state.

USS <i>Henry Clay</i> Submarine of the United States

USS Henry Clay (SSBN-625), a Lafayette class ballistic missile submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Henry Clay (1777–1852), the American statesman and orator.

USS <i>Francis Scott Key</i> Submarine of the United States

USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657), a Benjamin Franklin-class ballistic missile submarine, was the only submarine of the United States Navy to be named for Francis Scott Key (1779–1843), an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet who wrote the poem "The Defense of Fort McHenry", which became the words to the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". During World War II there was a liberty ship named SS Francis Scott Key.

USS <i>Casimir Pulaski</i> Submarine of the United States

USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN-633), a James Madison-class ballistic missile submarine, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Casimir Pulaski (1745–1779), a Polish general who served in the American Revolutionary War.

USS <i>Von Steuben</i> (SSBN-632) Submarine of the United States

USS Von Steuben (SSBN-632), a James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben (1730–1794), a Prussian army officer who served in the American Revolutionary War.

USS <i>Sam Rayburn</i> James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine

USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN-635) was a James Madison-class fleet ballistic missile submarine named for Sam Rayburn (1882–1961), Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Sam Rayburn was in commission 2 December 1964 to 31 July 1989 carrying the Polaris missile and later the Poseidon missile. Following decommissioning, ex-Sam Rayburn was converted into a moored training ship for use at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit at Goose Creek, South Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay</span> US Navy ballistic missile submarine base

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is a base of the United States Navy located adjacent to the city of St. Marys in Camden County, Georgia, on the East River in southeastern Georgia, and 38 miles (61 km) from Jacksonville, Florida. The Submarine Base is the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's home port for U.S. Navy Fleet ballistic missile nuclear submarines capable of being armed with Trident missile nuclear weapons. This submarine base covers about 16,000 acres of land, of which 4,000 acres are protected wetlands.

References

  1. 1 2 Fighting Mary Receives Omaha Submarine Ballistic Missile Trophy, US Navy, archived from the original on 23 December 2009, retrieved 29 September 2011
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "SSBN-726 Ohio-Class FBM Submarines". Federation of American Scientists. 9 February 2000. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 Frost, Peter. "Newport News contract awarded". Daily Press . Archived from the original on 27 April 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
  4. ↑ "US study of reactor and fuel types to enable naval reactors to shift from HEU fuel". Fissile Materials. 10 April 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  5. ↑ Brendan Patrick Hanlon (July 2015). Validation of the Use of Low Enriched Uranium as a Replacement for Highly Enriched Uranium in US Submarine Reactors (PDF) (Master thesis). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  6. 1 2 "Submarine Frequently Asked Questions". Chief of Naval Operations Submarine Warfare Division. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
  7. ↑ The US Navy – Fact File: Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines – SSBN, US Navy , retrieved 29 September 2011
  8. 1 2 3 "USS Maryland Command History: 1992" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "USS Maryland Command History: 1993" (PDF). Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "Jonathan McDowell's Launch Vehicle Database – Trident II" . Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  11. ↑ "USS Maryland Command History: 1994" (PDF). Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  12. 1 2 3 "USS Maryland Command History: 1996 - 1997" (PDF). Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  13. ↑ "USS Maryland Command History: 1999" (PDF). Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  14. 1 2 "SSBN Successfully Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles". US Navy. 14 June 2010. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  15. 1 2 "USS Maryland Command History: 2001" (PDF). Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  16. ↑ SINKEX of USS Guam (LPH-9). 9 August 2007. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2011– via YouTube.
  17. ↑ "SUBLANT: Anytime, Anywhere". US Navy. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  18. ↑ "Battle Efficiency Winners". US Navy. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  19. ↑ "Title unknown". Archived from the original on 1 November 2006.
  20. ↑ "Title unknown". Archived from the original on 1 November 2006.
  21. ↑ "Title unknown". Archived from the original on 1 November 2006.
  22. ↑ "Title unknown".[ dead link ]
  23. ↑ "Fightin' Mary Awarded Battle "E"". US Navy . Retrieved 29 September 2011.
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