USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) is a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine which has been in commission since 1990. She is the third U.S. Navy ship to be named for West Virginia, the 35th state, and the 11th of 18 Ohio-class submarines.

The contract to build West Virginia was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, on 21 November 1983 and her keel was laid down there on 24 December 1987.[1] She was launched on 14 October 1989, sponsored by Mrs. Erma Byrd, wife of United States Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, and commissioned on 20 October 1990, with Captain J. R. Harvey in command of the Blue Crew and Captain Donald McDermott in command of the Gold Crew.

Builders: Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp., Groton, Ct.
Powerplant: One nuclear reactor, one shaft
Length: 560 feet (109.73 meters)
Beam: 42 feet
Displacement: Approx. 18,750 tons (17,010 metric tons)
Submerged Speed: 20+ knots (23+ MPH; 36,8+ KPH)
Crew: 13 officers, 121 enlisted
Armament: 24 Missile tubes, 4 Torpedo tubes

Congratulations on your orders to USS WEST VIRGINIA!

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the east coast homeport for the Ohio-class fleet ballistic and guided missile submarines and the only naval base in the Atlantic fleet capable of supporting the Trident II (D-5) missile. Established in 1978, the base is home to Submarine Group 10, Submarine Squadrons 16 and 20, Trident Training Facility, Trident Refit Facility, Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic, and other support-providing commands.

All new check-ins must initially report to Naval Submarine Support Center (NSSC) in accordance with official PCS orders. NSSC is located in the Pre-Deployment Training Building (PDTB), Building 1059. PDTB is also home to Submarine Squadrons 16 and 20, all off-crew offices for units home ported in Kings Bay (to include the USS WEST VIRGINIA Off-Crew Office) and other various support commands.

Driving Directions

To Pre-Deployment Training Building from Jacksonville International Airport: Exit the airport onto Airport Road. Turn left to merge onto I-95 N toward Savannah. Take exit 1 toward St Mary’s Rd. Turn right onto St Mary’s Rd and proceed east towards the base. To best ensure you have the best driving directions, consult with Google Maps or another mapping web site for specific directions to the PDTB, Building 1059. 

Note: Ensure to report in the appropriate uniform for the season with a regulation haircut. Bring all records, orders, endorsements, travel-related receipts, new address, etc. After hours, please make sure you leave a good contact number (i.e. cell phone/relative/friend), in case we need to reach you prior to the next work day. SUBGRU 10 employs a 24-hour Watch Officer that can be contacted by calling (912) 674-2247.

Mailing Address

Your Name/Rate
USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736) (Blue/Gold)
Unit 100266 Box 1
FPO AA 34093