USS Nebraska (SSBN-739) is the 14th Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine operated by the United States Navy. As a key component of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent, she is equipped to carry Trident ballistic missiles. The vessel is notably the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name in honor of the state of Nebraska, sharing the nickname "Big Red" with the state's athletic teams. Construction of USS Nebraska began with the award of her contract to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics on May 26, 1987. Her keel was laid on July 6, 1987, at Groton, Connecticut. The submarine was launched on August 15, 1992, with Patricia Exon, wife of Nebraska Senator J. James Exon, serving as her sponsor. She was delivered to the Navy on June 18, 1993, and officially commissioned on July 10, 1993. The submarine was initially assigned to Submarine Group 10 at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. In October 2004, USS Nebraska was transferred to Submarine Squadron 17 within Submarine Group 9 at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor, Washington. In 2013, she was transferred again to Submarine Squadron 19 for an Engineering Refueling Overhaul, a critical process to extend her operational life. Throughout her service, USS Nebraska has conducted six successful missile tests, launching Trident missiles in 1993, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2018, and 2019. By November 2013, she had completed 62 deterrent patrols, each typically lasting around 77 days, with maintenance periods in port. Her operational excellence earned her multiple awards, including the "Battle E" for Submarine Squadron 17 following Patrols 54, 56, and an unprecedented 116-day patrol in late 2013. USS Nebraska’s significance extends beyond her military role; she has been referenced in science fiction as the basis for the fictional spaceship Vorpal Blade in John Ringo and Travis S. Taylor’s Looking Glass series, highlighting her cultural impact as well as her strategic importance.

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