USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN-634): An In-Depth Look at the Legendary Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine

The USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN-634) was a Benjamin Franklin-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine of the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1963 and decommissioned in 1995, the Stonewall Jackson was armed with a complement of Polaris A-1 and A-3 missiles and served as a key element of the US nuclear deterrent during the Cold War.

USS Stonewall Jackson

by Stephen Makk

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	682 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Stonewall Jackson was one of the most advanced submarines of its time, incorporating a number of cutting-edge technologies and design features. It was the first submarine to be equipped with the Polaris A-3 missile, which had a longer range and greater accuracy than the A-1 missile. The Stonewall Jackson was also equipped with a number of advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems, which made it one of the most difficult submarines to detect and track.

The Stonewall Jackson's service record was exemplary. It completed 65 deterrent patrols without incident and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Stonewall Jackson was decommissioned in 1995 and is now a museum ship at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

History

The USS Stonewall Jackson was laid down on 15 May 1962 at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. It was launched on 20 July 1963 and commissioned on 6 December 1963. The Stonewall Jackson was the fourth Benjamin Franklin-class submarine to be commissioned and was named after Confederate General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson.

The Stonewall Jackson's first deterrent patrol began on 26 April 1964. Over the next 31 years, the Stonewall Jackson completed 65 deterrent patrols, spending a total of 1,879 days submerged. The Stonewall Jackson's patrols took it to all corners of the globe, from the North Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

The Stonewall Jackson played a key role in the US nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. It was one of the most survivable submarines in the US fleet and was capable of launching its missiles at any time, even in the event of a nuclear attack. The Stonewall Jackson's presence at sea helped to deter the Soviet Union from launching a nuclear attack against the United States.

Design

The USS Stonewall Jackson was a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine of the Benjamin Franklin class. It was 425 feet long and displaced 8,250 tons submerged. The Stonewall Jackson was powered by a single S5W nuclear reactor, which provided it with a submerged speed of 20 knots. It was armed with 16 Polaris A-1 and A-3 missiles, which had a range of 2,500 nautical miles.

The Stonewall Jackson was one of the most advanced submarines of its time. It was equipped with a number of cutting-edge technologies and design features, including:

• A double hull, which provided increased protection against damage
• A large, spherical sonar dome, which provided 360-degree underwater surveillance
• A sophisticated electronic warfare system, which made it difficult to detect and track

The Stonewall Jackson's design was a major breakthrough in submarine technology. It was the first submarine to be equipped with the Polaris A-3 missile, which had a longer range and greater accuracy than the A-1 missile. The Stonewall Jackson was also equipped with a number of advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems, which made it one of the most difficult submarines to detect and track.

Capabilities

The USS Stonewall Jackson was one of the most capable submarines in the US fleet. It was armed with a complement of 16 Polaris A-1 and A-3 missiles, which had a range of 2,500 nautical miles. The Stonewall Jackson was also equipped with a number of advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems, which made it one of the most difficult submarines to detect and track.

The Stonewall Jackson's missiles could be launched from a submerged position, which made it a very survivable platform. The submarine's advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems also made it very difficult for the enemy to detect and track. This combination of capabilities made the Stonewall Jackson a very effective deterrent against nuclear attack.

In addition to its nuclear deterrent role, the Stonewall Jackson was also capable of carrying out a variety of other missions, including:

• Special operations
• Intelligence gathering
• Surveillance

The Stonewall Jackson's versatility and capabilities made it a valuable asset to the US Navy.

Service Record

The USS Stonewall Jackson had a distinguished service record. It completed 65 deterrent patrols without incident and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its service during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Stonewall Jackson's first deterrent patrol began on 26 April 1964. Over the next 31 years, the Stonewall Jackson completed 65 deterrent patrols, spending a total of 1,879 days submerged. The Stonewall Jackson's patrols took it to all corners of the globe, from the North Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

The Stonewall Jackson played a key role in the US nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. It was one of the most survivable submarines in the US fleet and was capable of launching its missiles at any time, even in the event of a nuclear attack. The Stonewall Jackson's presence at sea helped to deter the Soviet Union from launching a nuclear attack against the United States.

In addition to its deterrent patrols, the Stonewall Jackson also participated in a number of other important missions, including:

• The Cuban Missile Crisis
• The Vietnam War
• The Cold War

The Stonewall Jackson's service record is a testament to the skill and dedication of its crew. The submarine's crew members were some of the most highly trained and experienced in the US Navy. They were responsible for operating and maintaining the submarine's complex systems and for carrying out its important missions.

Decommissioning

The USS Stonewall Jackson was decommissioned on 9 February 1995. It was the first Benjamin Franklin-class submarine to be decommissioned. The Stonewall Jackson was decommissioned at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

After decommissioning, the Stonewall Jackson was transferred to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. It was placed in the shipyard's inactive fleet and was used for training purposes. In 2002, the Stonewall Jackson was towed to the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. It is now a museum ship and is open to the public.

Legacy

The USS Stonewall Jackson was one of the most important submarines in the history of the US Navy. It played a key role in the US nuclear deterrent during the Cold War and helped to keep the peace for over 30 years. The Stonewall Jackson's legacy is one of service and sacrifice. It is a reminder of the important role that submarines play in the defense of our nation.

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USS Stonewall Jackson

by Stephen Makk

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	682 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE