The USS Phoenix (SSN-702), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, was commissioned on April 7, 1979 and served in the United States Navy for over 30 years. The Phoenix was the fifth of the Los Angeles class and was built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut.
The submarine was named after the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes, symbolizing the city of Phoenix, Arizona, which was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1881. The USS Phoenix was known for its versatility, serving in a variety of roles including anti-submarine warfare, special operations support, and intelligence gathering.
During its service, the USS Phoenix was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic, and the Western Pacific. It also participated in several training exercises and operations, including Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
The USS Phoenix was decommissioned on December 7, 2010 and was subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register. Its scrapping was completed on October 21, 2015.
Ship Specifications:
- Length: 337 feet (103 m)
- Beam: 33 feet (10 m)
- Displacement: 6,900 tons (6,800 metric tons)
- Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
- Complement: 13 officers, 117 enlisted
- Armament: Tomahawk cruise missiles, torpedo tubes
- Propulsion: S5W nuclear reactor, one geared steam turbine, one shaft
Overall, the USS Phoenix served as a valuable asset to the United States Navy, providing critical support in a variety of roles and operations during its 30 years of service. Its decommissioning marks the end of an era for the Los Angeles-class submarines, as newer, more advanced technology is developed to continue to protect and defend our country.
