- USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN-635)
The USS "Sam Rayburn" (SSBN/MTS-635) was a James Madison"-class
ballistic missile submarine named for U.S. House SpeakerSam Rayburn (1882–1961).The contract to build her was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in
Newport News, Virginia on20 July 1961 and her keel was laid down on3 December 1962 . She was launched on20 December 1963 sponsored by Mrs. S.E. Bartley & Mrs. W.A. Thomas, and commissioned on2 December 1964 , with Captain Oliver H. Perry, Jr., in command of the Blue Crew andCommander William A. Williams III in command of the Gold Crew."Sam Rayburn" conducted demonstration and shakedown operations on the Atlantic Missile Range, first manned by her Blue Crew and then by her Gold Crew. She joined Submarine Squadron 18 before her first patrol in the summer of 1965. In August 1965, she joined Submarine Squadron 16 and made seven patrols out of
Rota, Spain , before rejoining Submarine Squadron 18 in December 1966 atCharleston, South Carolina . During 1967, "Sam Rayburn" completed her eighth through 11th Polaris deterrent patrols. During 1968, she completed patrols 12 through 14. During 1969, "Sam Rayburn" operated continuously with Submarine Squadron 18 until commencing overhaul atPortsmouth, New Hampshire , in December. Upon completion of overhaul on27 May 1971 , "Sam Rayburn" operated along the eastern coast of theUnited States throughout 1971 and into 1972. She departed fromGroton, Connecticut , and arrived inCharleston, South Carolina , before departing on an extended period ofspecial operations.On
10 June 1985 , the Navy announced plans to dismantle a ballistic missile submarine so as to remain within theSALT II ceiling onMIRV ed missiles. "Sam Rayburn" was selected and was deactivated on16 September 1985 . Her missile tubes were filled with concrete and the tube hatches removed."Sam Rayburn" was decommissioned on
31 July 1989 and reclassified a moored training ship withhull classification symbol MTS-635. Stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on the following28 August , she arrived atGoose Creek, South Carolina on1 February 1986 , and on29 July 1989 achieved initial criticality in her new role. Her modifications included special mooring arrangements including a mechanism to absorb power generated by the main propulsion shaft (Water Wheel). She is scheduled to operate as an MTS until 2018 while undergoing shipyard availabilities at five year intervals.External links
* [http://texashistory.unt.edu/permalink/meta-pth-2419 Texas Navy] hosted by [http://texashistory.unt.edu/ The Portal to Texas History] . A survey of the Texas Navy during the Texas Revolution and the Republic Era. Includes maps, sketches, a list of ships of the Texas Navy, and a chronology. Also includes photographs of 20th century U.S. Navy ships named after Texans or Texas locations. See photos of the USS Sam Rayburn.
References
Based on data from the
Naval Vessel Register
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.