|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| One of twelve Ben Franklin (SSBN-640)-class nuclear-powered, ballistic missile launching submarines. Although similar to the Lafayette-class SSBNs, these boats had a quieter machinery design incorporated into them and were thus considered a separate class. Fleet Ballistic Missile (or FBM)-launching submarines: Built to carry Polaris strategic deterrent missiles (and Poseidon missiles later), they began to go into commission in the early 1960s. These were rightly regarded as ships without precedent. Thus, a name source of their own was deemed appropriate. The first ballistic missile submarine was named George Washington, and the rest of the "41 For Freedom" (go to links below) bore the names of "famous Americans and others who contributed to the growth of democracy." Some of these submarines were later reclassified as conventional attack submarines under the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreements and two were converted to SEAL-mission capable boats. Though they lost their missile capability, they continued to bear such names as Patrick Henry and Ethan Allen. The newest Trident missile submarines of the Ohio class bear state names, one of the name sources originally considered for the first Polaris submarines. One of the class, Henry M. Jackson, honors a legislator who had a strong share in shaping American defense programs. Rogers was the last of the "41 For Freedom" (see links below). |
|
|
| Built: General Dynamics
Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.
Launched: July 21, 1966 Commissioned: April 1, 1967 Displacement: 8250 tons Length: 425 feet Beam: 33 feet Number of missiles: Originally, 16 Polaris A-3s. (Around 1975, the boat was converted to carry Poseidon missiles.) Nuclear warheads per missile: Three Yield per warhead: 200 kiloton (Note: The yield of the Hiroshima bomb was 16 kilotons; and the yield of the Nagasaki bomb was 22 kilotons.) Missile Range: 2500 nautical miles Other Armament: Four torpedo tubes forward Reactor Plant: S5W (Around 1975, the plant was modified to S3G core 3.) Type of propulsion plant: Two steam turbines driving reduction gears to a single shaft Shaft Horsepower: 15,000 Crew Members: 144 Deactivated: November 2, 1992 Decommissioned: April 12, 1993 Fate: Submarine Recycling Program |
|
|
|
Presented to USS WILL ROGERS (SSBN-659) by the Providence Plantation Council of the Navy League on November 12, 1970 The Navy League of the United States is well known for its untiring and successful efforts in supporting increased naval efficiency and readiness. In order to recognize and emphasize outstanding performance in Atlantic Fleet SSBNs, the Providence Plantation Council of the Navy League has established this POLARIS/POSEIDON TROPHY to be awarded annually to that SSBN in the Atlantic Fleet which has demonstrated the most outstanding performance in carrying out her primary mission in the previous fiscal year. The following factors are considered: weapon system performance; navigation system performance; communications system performance; material condition; officer retention and reenlistment; initiative in promoting new operational concepts of material improvements and other eminent accomplishments. |
| I reported aboard Rogers Blue Crew as a Machinist's Mate First Class on May 5, 1969, after being transferred from USS Simon Lake (AS-33). As a nuclear-trained Machinist's Mate (and ELT), I was assigned to the 16-man M-Division as the Leading ELT. During subsequent Deterrent Patrols I qualified on all M-Division watch stations (as well as Engineering Watch Supervisor, which is the senior enlisted watch in the Engineering Department) and ended up as the M-Division Leading Chief Petty Officer. During one of my patrols, I once again crossed the Arctic Circle as a "Blue Nose." In October 1971, I was advanced to Chief Machinist's Mate. Not too long before this I had found out I'd been selected for promotion to Warrant Officer. For various personal reasons I turned Warrant Officer down and went with becoming a Chief. I was transferred from Rogers, after making 7 Deterrent Patrols; 3 out of Rota, Spain and 4 out of Holy Loch, Scotland (click on link below) on November 3, 1972. At the time, the boat was undergoing an overhaul at the Navy shipyard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. |
| In the late 1960s, the FBM force began issuing Submarine Deterrent Patrol pins (the pin just below the Dolphins at the top of this page) to crew members who had made at least one patrol. These pins are similar to the World War Two Submarine Combat Patrol pins. The silver pin is an FBM submarine with a missile superimposed in front of it about half way along the boat. The missile has orbits around it that signify the nucleus of an atom. After each subsequent patrol, a small bronze star is added to the pin. A small silver star indicates five patrols. Today, they have a gold pin for men who have made 20 or more patrols. Crew members on Fast Attacks don't have anything like these pins. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The purpose of this page is provide a place for ex-crew members to post a query about or an attempt to locate a lost shipmate. Or to just let ex-shipmates know you're still around. Send your queries, etc. to me via e-mail at my e-mail address at the bottom of this page and I'll place them on the page with a link to your e-mail address. Good luck in your search. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Carl Benjamin; an STS3(SS) who served in the Blue Crew from 1981 to 1983, has set up a Willy R web community site. Sign up for it if you want another place to maintain contact with crew members. |
| Ed Greany, an STS2(SS) Gold Crew plank owner, who served on the boat from 1966 to 1970, has initiated a "SSBN659 distribution list." Each ex-crew member is urged to join this list as a rapid and effective method of receiving Willy R news and maintaining Willy R contacts. |
| Ron Pellegrino; RM2(SS); Blue Crew; 1988-1991 works at the New Jersey Naval Museum. Check out their Web site. |
|
|
| Holy Loch, Scotland Page Info about and photos of |
| Ron Martini’s Submarine World Network The largest submarine-oriented site on the Internet; plus other information |
| Rontini’s Submarine BBS Where submarine sailors (and others) from all eras hang out |
| United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. An organization that all submarine vets should join |
| SubmarineSailor.com - Rosters for subs, sub tenders, and ASRs. Other sub-related info, as well |
| "41 For Freedom" This page has links from the ship's patches of the boats to Web pages for the boats |
| Deterrent Park (to the "41 For Freedom"), located at Sub Base, Bangor WA sponsored by Pacific Northwest Submarine Heritage Assn |
| Cold War Submarine Memorial located at Patriots Point, Charleston SC sponsored by Cold War Submarine Memorial Foundation |
| Sid Harrison’s Navy Days The most comprehensive submarine and Navy-oriented site on the Internet |
| Submarine Wives Club Who cared for the kids, paid the bills, kept the car running, battled yard and housework, etc. in our absence? |
| Fleet Reserve Association The hardest-charging military lobby group there is (especially for enlisted-related matters) |
| National Chief Petty Officers Association (NCPOA) I’m a member |
| The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) I’m a member |
| U.S. Navy Memorial Every Navy veteran should have his particulars in the Navy Log (it's accessible on-line) |
| Bluejacket.com Informative site on USN, USMC, USCG history and traditions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|