USS Alaska (SSBN-732) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1986. Constructed by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, her keel was laid on 9 March 1983, and she was launched on 12 January 1985. Sponsored by Mrs. Catherine Stevens, wife of Senator Theodore F. Stevens of Alaska, she was officially commissioned on 25 January 1986. The submarine features the typical design of Ohio-class SSBNs, built for strategic nuclear deterrence. Initially operating from New London, Connecticut, and Port Canaveral, Florida, she later shifted her homeport to the Pacific Northwest, operating out of Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington. Alaska's early service included shakedown training and patrols aimed at establishing her operational readiness. Her first missile deterrent patrol with her Blue Crew commenced on 7 December 1986 in the Pacific, followed by her Gold Crew’s patrol starting on 16 March 1987. Over her career, Alaska underwent extensive overhauls, notably at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (2000–2001), where she received a Trident II D5 missile "backfit" to enable her to fire the improved missile version, and upgraded her armament to include the Mk 48 ADCAP torpedo. She completed her final missile patrol in July 2006 before undergoing a 27½-month refueling and overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, completed in March 2009. Throughout her service, USS Alaska has been recognized for operational excellence, earning multiple awards including the Navy Battle Efficiency "E" for several years and the Omaha Trophy from USSTRATCOM. Her accolades also include the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the distinguished 2014 Battenberg Cup, awarded to the best ship or submarine in the Atlantic fleet—an historic first for a ballistic missile submarine. Alaska's ongoing role in strategic deterrence underscores her significance in maintaining U.S. naval and nuclear security.

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