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Keel laid down by Electric Boat Division of General
Dynamics, Groton, CT 25MAY63;
Launched: 5DEC64; Sponsored by Mrs. Francis L. Moseley and Mrs. Leon
V. Chaplin;
Commissioned: 22OCT65 with Capt Donald M. Miller [B], Cdr Ross N.
Williams [G] in command;
Decommissioned and struck from the Navy List 1OCT94;
Disposed of through SRP at PSNS 21AUG95.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) left an indelible stamp on America.
He was a statesman, scientist, and businessman who made a fortune by
the age of 42. The author of a distinguished autobiography and
inventor of bifocal glasses, he entered public service at age 48 and
became a leading diplomat. He secured vital aid from France during the
American Revolution and was the only American to sign all four
documents which established the United States as an independent nation
- the Declaration of Independence, the Alliance with France, the Peace
Treaty with England, and the Constitution.
The submarine named in his honor was the 32nd Polaris Missile
Submarine built for the Navy and is the first ship of the 640-class
Ballistic Missile Submarine -- USS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (SSBN
640).
After successful completion of all sea trials, the boat was placed
in commission on 22 October 1965 at the U.S. Naval Underwater Sound
Laboratory, New London, CT.
Shakedown cruise commenced on 26 October 1965. On 6 December 1965
the Gold Crew successfully launched a Polaris A-3 missile in close
coordination with an orbital pass of the Gemini 7 astronauts Frank
Borman and Jim Lovell. The Blue Crew successfully launched a Polaris
A-3 missile on 20 December 1965.
Following the tactical loadout in Charleston, SC, BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN transited the Panama Canal, assigned to CINCPACFLT on 4
April 1966 and arrived at Pearl Harbor on 20 April 1966. The Blue Crew
then deployed with the ship on 6 May 1966 on its first Polaris
deterrent patrol, which was successfully completed on 11 July 1966
when BENJAMIN FRANKLIN arrived in Apra Harbor, Guam.
On 27 February 1969, the boat was awarded the Meritorious Unit
Commendation, in recognition of the achievement of both crews in
sustaining an exceptionally high state of readiness from the period of
commissioning to September 1968.
On 28 August 1970, the Blue Crew departed Apra Harbor, Guam, MI,
for the BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S nineteenth Polaris patrol and
transit to New London CT. This was the final patrol prior to entry
into the shipyard at Electric Boat Company, General Dynamic
Corporation, Groton, CT, for Poseidon conversion. The conversion was
completed in May 1972 and the BENJAMIN FRANKLIN once again took
her place in the deterrent force.
Upon completing of her 29th deterrent patrol, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
was awarded SubRon16's Battle Efficiency "E".
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN completed 16 Poseidon deterrent patrols
before entering Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in November 1979 for her
second overhaul, during which the TRIDENT 1 Weapon System was
installed. Shipyard overhaul was completed 5 September 1981, and she
once again patrolled the seas.
On 18 December 1983 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN completed her 51st
patrol, the 2,200th Strategic Deterrent Patrol made by a Fleet
Ballistic Missile Submarine.
In July 1985, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN arrived in Norfolk, Virginia
transferring to SubRon8 and acting as as "SSN Asset" while awaiting
the start of her third overhaul. After transferring to Charleston, SC,
in July 1986, the boat began a reactor refueling overhaul which was
successfully completed in November 1988.
Following overhaul and completion of the post overhaul shakedown
period, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN resumed her role as part of SubRon18,
homeported in Charleston, SC, beginning with Patrol 58 in July 1989.
Upon completion of her 62nd patrol in October 1990, BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN was awarded SubRon18's Battle Efficiency "E" and was
named Atlantic Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine of the Year for
FY-1990 in recognition of the ability of both crews to consistently
meet all challenges. For these accomplishments, she was awarded a
second Meritorious Unit Commendation.
On 22 October 1990, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN marked the 25th
anniversary of her commissioning. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN completed a
total of 69 deterrent patrols and was decommissioned on 23 November
1993.
On September 5 - 8, 2002, The first USS Benjamin Franklin - SSBN 640
Reunion was held in Groton, CT. During this time, we enjoyed the
attendance of over 300 shipmates and spouses ranging from
commissioning to de-commissioning crews and Captains. We also
formed the SSBN 640 Association. If you are a formers 640 crew
member and have not been added to our roster or would like to join our
association, please contact our Membership Chairman Len Excelby @
ssbn640blueyeo@aol.com. |
