Ohio Class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine: Laid down, 9 June 1986, at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, Groton, CT.; Launched, 13 December 1986; Commissioned, USS Tennessee (SSBN-734), 17 December 1988. Tennessee is assigned to the US Atlantic Fleet and is homeported at Kings Bay, GA.

USS Tennessee (SSBN-734), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, was the fourth ship and first submarine of the United States Navy to be named for the 16th state. There had also previously been two ships of the Confederate States Navy to bear the name.

Authorized in FY1980, the contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 7 January 1982 and her keel was laid down on 9 June 1986. She was launched on 13 December 1986 sponsored by Mrs. Landess Kelso, and commissioned on 17 December 1988, with Captain D. Witzenburg in command of the Blue Crew and Captain Kenneth D. Barker in command of the Gold Crew.

USS Tennessee was the first Trident II missile submarine to be commissioned.

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 TENNESSEE!

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 TENNESSEE 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 TENNESSEE (SSBN 734) (Blue/Gold)
Unit 100257 Box 1
FPO AA 34093