USS Francis Scott Key: A Submarine of Firsts
The USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657) had both a Gold and a Blue Crew, 120 men each, keeping her on patrols that lasted months.
Key Milestones:
Laid down: 1964 | Launched: 1965 | Commissioned: 1966
1979: First submerged Trident I missile launch
1985: First deterrent patrol with a Trident I (C-4) missile during Demonstration & Shakedown 24
72 deterrent patrols completed, last SSBN patrol in 1992
Decommissioned: 1993
Sailors who served on submarines like her often face long-term health risks due to exposures during service. Staying informed and getting regular check-ups is important.
Asbestos Exposure on the USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657) . Learn more about how and where you were exposed to asbestos and find shipmates.