The USS Minneapolis–Saint Paul (SSN-708) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the United States Navy. Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, her construction contract was awarded on October 31, 1973. Her keel was laid on January 20, 1981, and she was launched on March 19, 1983, with Mrs. Penny Durenberger serving as the sponsor. The submarine was officially commissioned on March 10, 1984, under the command of Commander Ralph Schlichter. As a Los Angeles-class vessel, Minneapolis–Saint Paul was designed for a variety of mission profiles, including strategic attack and special operations. She became notable for her participation in Operation Desert Shield and the Gulf War, where she distinguished herself as the first submarine to carry Tomahawk missiles designated for strikes against Iraq. The vessel’s service was marked by a tragic incident on December 29, 2006, in Plymouth Sound, England, when heavy waves caused four crew members to be washed overboard while the submarine was surfacing after a port call at HMNB Devonport. Two sailors, Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Higgins and Sonar Technician 2nd Class Michael Holtz, lost their lives. This incident led to a reprimand and the relief of the commanding officer, Commander Edwin Ruff. Minneapolis–Saint Paul was transferred from Norfolk, Virginia, to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, in July 2007 for decommissioning preparations, with custody transferred in August 2008. In recent years, parts of the submarine, including the sail and rudder, have been preserved and transported to Minnesota for display. As of 2022, the sail and rudder are undergoing restoration at the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, with the sail being placed at Camp Ripley in June 2025 for display purposes.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.