The USS Jacksonville (SSN-699), a Los Angeles-class submarine, was commissioned on March 3, 1979 and served in the United States Navy for over 25 years. The Jacksonville was the fifth ship of its class, which is considered to be one of the most successful submarine classes in the history of the US Navy.
The USS Jacksonville was equipped with state-of-the-art technology and had a number of unique features that made it a formidable force in the underwater arena. Some of the key specifications of the ship include:
- Displacement: 6,900 tons (surfaced)
- Length: 360 feet
- Beam: 33 feet
- Draft: 32 feet
- Speed: 25 knots (surfaced), 35 knots (submerged)
- Range: Unlimited (submerged)
- Crew: 14 officers, 117 enlisted
- Armament: Tomahawk missiles, Harpoon missiles, MK-48 torpedoes
Throughout its service, the USS Jacksonville was involved in various missions and operations, including anti-submarine warfare, special operations, and intelligence gathering. The ship was deployed to various locations around the world, including the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic, and the Persian Gulf.
One of the most notable missions of the USS Jacksonville was its participation in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The ship played a crucial role in the conflict, providing intelligence and launching Tomahawk missiles at targets in Iraq. The Jacksonville also served as a platform for special operations, including the insertion and extraction of Navy SEALs in the Persian Gulf.
The USS Jacksonville was decommissioned on March 31, 2005, after a successful and distinguished service in the US Navy. The ship's legacy lives on, as it serves as a reminder of the capabilities and versatility of the Los Angeles-class submarines and the skill and dedication of the sailors who served aboard her.
