USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN-644) facts for kids
_and_bridge.jpg)
USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN-644)
|
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | USS Lewis and Clark |
| Namesake | Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809) and William Clark (1770–1838), who carried out the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–06) |
| Awarded | 1 November 1962 |
| Builder | Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company |
| Laid down | 29 July 1963 |
| Launched | 21 November 1964 |
| Sponsored by | Mrs. M. F. Engman and Mrs. M. G. Sale |
| Commissioned | 22 December 1965 |
| Decommissioned | 27 June 1992 |
| Stricken | 1 August 1992 |
| Fate | Scrapping via Ship and Submarine Recycling Program began 1 October 1995; completed 23 September 1996; Sail and top of rudder preserved. |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Benjamin Franklin class fleet ballistic missile submarine |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 425 ft (130 m) |
| Beam | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Draft | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Installed power | 15,000 shp (11,185 kW) |
| Propulsion | One S5W pressurized-water nuclear reactor, two geared steam turbines, one shaft |
| Speed | Over 20 knots |
| Test depth | 1,300 feet (400 m) |
| Complement | Two crews (Blue Crew and Gold Crew) of 14 officers and 126 enlisted men each |
| Armament |
|
The USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN-644) was a special kind of submarine called a ballistic missile submarine. It was the fourth ship in its class, known as the Benjamin Franklin class. This submarine was the first in the United States Navy to be named after the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They led the important Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806, exploring new parts of America.
Contents
Building and Launching a Submarine
The plan to build the Lewis and Clark was approved on November 1, 1962. Its construction began on July 29, 1963, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Newport News, Virginia. This is where the submarine's main frame, called the keel, was put in place.
The submarine was launched into the water on November 21, 1964. Mrs. M. F. Engman and Mrs. M. G. Sale were the sponsors, a special role in ship launches. The Lewis and Clark officially joined the Navy on December 22, 1965. It had two crews, a Blue Crew led by Commander John F. Fagan, Jr., and a Gold Crew led by Commander Kenneth A. Porter. This allowed the submarine to stay at sea for longer periods.
Life at Sea: Missions and Upgrades
After its first training trips and missile tests near Cape Kennedy, Florida, in 1966, the Lewis and Clark started its important missions. These missions were called "deterrent patrols." The submarine carried Polaris A3 ballistic missiles. Its job was to be ready to launch these missiles if needed, helping to keep peace by showing strength.
In 1972, the submarine received a big upgrade. Its missile tubes were changed to carry more advanced Poseidon C3 ballistic missiles. On December 18, 1972, the Gold Crew successfully launched one of these new Poseidon missiles during a test.
The Lewis and Clark continued its operational patrols. Later, in 1981, it successfully fired four Poseidon C-3 missiles during another important test. After this, it went through a major maintenance period to refuel its nuclear engine and make other repairs.
In 1985, the submarine again showed its readiness by successfully launching four Poseidon C-3 missiles in a follow-up test. These tests were crucial to ensure the submarine was always prepared for its missions.
Retirement and Recycling
After many years of service, the Lewis and Clark was taken out of active duty on October 1, 1991. It was officially decommissioned, meaning it was removed from Navy service, on June 27, 1992. Its name was removed from the Naval Vessel Register on August 1, 1992.
The submarine then began a process called the Ship and Submarine Recycling Program. This program safely takes apart nuclear-powered ships. The recycling of the Lewis and Clark started on October 1, 1995, in Bremerton, Washington, and was finished on September 23, 1996.
Remembering the Lewis and Clark
Even though the submarine was recycled, parts of it are preserved to remember its service. The tall "sail" (the tower-like structure on top) and the top part of its rudder are on display. You can see them at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina. This display is part of a memorial honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. Navy Submarine Service who served during the Cold War.
The periscope from the Lewis and Clark is also on display. You can find it at the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. These pieces help us remember the important role this submarine played in history.
