The USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601) was a United States Navy ballistic missile submarine that played a significant role in the country's nuclear deterrence strategy during the Cold War. Commissioned on September 15, 1960, the submarine was named after the famous Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The USS Robert E. Lee was the second ship of the George Washington-class submarines, which were the first operational fleet ballistic missile submarines in the world.
Design and Construction
The USS Robert E. Lee was designed and constructed by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia. The submarine had a length of 380 feet (116 meters) and a beam of 33 feet (10 meters), with a displacement of 5,900 tons when surfaced and 6,900 tons when submerged. The submarine was powered by a S5W nuclear reactor, which provided a top speed of over 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour). The USS Robert E. Lee had a crew of 12 officers and 100 enlisted men, who were responsible for operating and maintaining the submarine’s complex systems.
Armament and Capabilities
The USS Robert E. Lee was armed with 16 UGM-27 Polaris ballistic missiles, which were stored in vertical launch tubes within the submarine’s hull. The Polaris missile had a range of over 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers) and was equipped with a single nuclear warhead. The submarine also had four 21-inch (533-millimeter) torpedo tubes, which were used for self-defense against enemy ships and submarines. The USS Robert E. Lee was equipped with advanced sonar and radar systems, which allowed it to detect and track targets at long range.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 380 feet (116 meters) |
| Beam | 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Displacement (surfaced) | 5,900 tons |
| Displacement (submerged) | 6,900 tons |
| Speed | Over 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour) |
| Crew | 12 officers, 100 enlisted men |
Operational History
The USS Robert E. Lee conducted its first deterrent patrol in January 1961, operating out of the Holy Loch submarine base in Scotland. Over the next several years, the submarine conducted numerous patrols in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, providing a visible deterrent to potential aggressors. The USS Robert E. Lee was also involved in several notable exercises and operations, including a 1962 test of the Polaris missile system. In 1972, the submarine underwent a major overhaul and refueling, which extended its service life by several years.
Decommissioning and Legacy
The USS Robert E. Lee was decommissioned on December 1, 1983, after over 20 years of service. The submarine was subsequently scrapped and its reactor was defueled and disposed of in accordance with nuclear safety regulations. The USS Robert E. Lee played an important role in the development of the US Navy’s ballistic missile submarine program, and its legacy continues to influence the design and operation of modern submarines. The submarine’s crew was awarded several decorations and awards for their service, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Navy “E” Ribbon.
- The USS Robert E. Lee conducted over 50 deterrent patrols during its service.
- The submarine was equipped with advanced communication systems, including a satellite communication system and a very low frequency (VLF) radio system.
- The USS Robert E. Lee was involved in several notable incidents, including a 1967 collision with a Soviet submarine in the North Atlantic.
What was the primary mission of the USS Robert E. Lee?
+The primary mission of the USS Robert E. Lee was to conduct deterrent patrols and provide a visible deterrent to potential aggressors. The submarine was equipped with ballistic missiles and was designed to operate for extended periods of time without surfacing.
What was the USS Robert E. Lee’s top speed?
+The USS Robert E. Lee’s top speed was over 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour), making it one of the fastest submarines in the world at the time.
