KITSAP-BANGOR, Wash. — The USS Alabama, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, celebrated 30 years of service to her country last week by sending a huge “Roll Tide” back to the Yellowhammer State.
Unfurling a large University of Alabama flag, and another banner that says “USS Alabama SSBN 731 Roll Tide,” her Blue and Gold crews standing in the shape of a 30 at 7:31am, commemorating what was originally supposed to be the ballistic missile submarine’s decommissioning ceremony.
But the USS Alabama will be in service for another 12 years, after an “exhaustive engineering analysis” in 1990 found her submarine class fit to extend the original 30-year-commission out to 42.
The USS Alabama is only the second Ohio-class ballistic submarine to reach the milestone.
“This is a very significant in the ship’s history and also for the Navy. These ships will make it to 42 years, they have to; it’s imperative that they do to fulfill our mission,” said Cmdr. Paul Reinhardt, Alabama Blue crew commanding officer. “What helps us get there is the hard work of our Sailors, our partners in the fleet, and the support of our families and crew to get it done.”
While the subs were originally only built for the 30-year commission, Cmdr. Reinhardt says there may be some updates to the crew’s maintenance procedures.
“There are some discussions about changing some of the procedures,” said Reinhardt. “Right now, it’s condition-based vs. periodic or time-based.”
The sub doesn’t just share a name with the state, it also shares a motto: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere, “We dare to defend our rights.” The USS Alabama has defended the U.S. since 1985, completing dozens of strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific.
The USS Alabama was also the setting for the 1995 film Crimson Tide, starring Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington.
A new class of ballistic submarines is expected to be built in the coming years, but until then the USS Alabama will serve her country, and namesake, proudly.
Like this article? Hate it? Follow me and let me know how you feel on Twitter!
— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015