| USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740) was laid down by the Electric
Boat Co., Groton, Connecticut on 1 December 19, launched 17 July 1993 and
sponsored by Mrs. Kati Machtley. She was commissioned 9 July 1994 with Captain
John K. Eldridge [B] and Commander Michael R. Maxfield [G] in command. |
| Her development was based on extensive consideration for all
aspects of survivability and capabilities required in a sea based deterrent
platform designed for operations through the next century. Rhode Island
incorporates the new, more quiet machinery that cannot be installed in other
fleet ballistic missile submarines because of space and weight constraints.
It has an advanced sonar system, comparable to that developed for the United
States Navy's newest attack submarines. This sonar suite is capable of providing
long-range detection and a more effective capabilities for tracking other
ships or submarines. |
| Key features of Rhode Island include: improved
maintainability, reliability, and availability resulting from modular replacement
concepts of major equipment, improved design and incorporation of integrated
logistics support. |
| Rhode Island has additional growth potential to accommodate
future technology as it becomes available, both in ship systems and in larger
missiles. High patrol speeds will greatly increase ocean operating area,
providing the ability to avoid potential enemies, thus enhancing
survivability. |
| Specifications: |
-
Length: 560ft
-
Hull diameter: 40ft
-
Draft: 36ft
-
Displacement (submerged): 18,750 TONS
-
Missile tubes: 24
-
Torpedo tubes: 4
-
Officers: 16
-
Enlisted: 157
|
