USS Maryland (SSBN-738)

USS "Maryland" (SSBN-738) is the 13th of 18 "Ohio"-class submarines in the United States Navy. She is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named "Maryland".

Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, "Maryland" was commissioned in 13 June 1992.

She is part of the Atlantic Fleet and homeported in Kings Bay, Georgia.

ymbology of USS "Maryland" Insignia

Blazon – The shield features the arms of the state of Maryland, which are historically derived from the quartered arms of the Calvert and Crossland families. Its main color is blue, highlighted with silver. Beneath the shield is a scroll in blue, displaying the motto "Timete Deum Solum et Ignominiam," – Fear Only God and Dishonor - inscribed in gold letters. This is all superimposed upon a trident wreathed in laurel decorated with seven battle stars. The trident's bottom spike is flanked by two dolphins.

Symbolism – Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Navy. The arms of Maryland hail the state's historical roots while the submarine indicates the Ohio Class of the present USS "Maryland" vessel. The trident represents Naval weaponry and sea prowess. Its bottom spike points to the ocean depths, the area of operations of the USS "Maryland". The heraldic dolphins are symbolic of speed, intelligence, and the ability to penetrate the deep. The wreath of laurel is emblematic of excellence and accomplishment; its seven stars commemorate the battle stars earned by the battleship "Maryland" (BB-46) in World War II. The state of Maryland was also the seventh state to be admitted to the union.

Seal – The coat of arms is emblazoned upon a white oval enclosed by a blue collar edged on the outside with gold rope and is inscribed with the words USS "Maryland" above and SSBN-738 in gold letters below.

Christening

The USS "Maryland" (SSBN-738) was christened on 10 August 1991 in a ceremony at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics. At this point, prior to commissioning as an operational naval unit, the ship was designated as a Precommissioning Unit or PCU "Maryland".

The program opened with the U.S. National Anthem performed by the United States Navy Band Newport led by Chief Musician Steven R. Rawson. Welcoming remarks were given by Mr. Roger E. Tetrault, Vice President and General Manager of Electric Boat Division. Mr. James E. Turner, Jr. Executive Vice President of Marine, Land Systems and Services, General Dynamics Corporation also prepared remarks for this occasion. The Director of Maryland Veterans Commission, Mr. Clarence M. Bacon greeted guests and crew then turn over the podium to VADM Kenneth C. Malley, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. The introduction of the principle speaker was handled by VADM Henry G. Chiles, Jr., Commander Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet (SUBLANT). The principle address was given by The Honorable Helen Delich Bentley U.S. Representative - Maryland (Second District). Mr. James E. Turner Jr. returned to the podium to introduce the sponsor. After a short blessing of the ship by Captain A. Byron Holderby, Sarah (Sally) Craig Larson along with Matron of Honor Kirsten L. Datko and Maid of Honor Erica L. Larson christened the PCU Maryland (SSBN-738).

USS "Maryland" in popular culture

*In Tom Clancy's novel "Debt of Honor", "Maryland" is one of several submarines sent to deal with the Japanese invasion of the Marianas Islands.

*In the 1998 film "Ice", the USS "Maryland" is sent to evacuate VIPs from the frozen west coast, as the ice-locked coastline prevented surface vessels from approaching the shore.

References

*(1991) USS "Maryland" SSBN-738 Commissioning Booklet

External links

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08738.htm Photos of USS "Maryland"]