The USS Ray (SSN-653) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine constructed for the United States Navy, representing a significant class of nuclear-powered submarines designed for a variety of combat and reconnaissance missions. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia, her keel was laid on 4 January 1965, and she was launched on 21 June 1966, with Mrs. Thomas H. Kuchel serving as her sponsor. The vessel was commissioned on 12 April 1967 and based out of Norfolk, Virginia. The Ray measured approximately 292 feet in length, with a beam of about 31 feet, and was powered by a nuclear reactor, enabling extended submerged operations. Her armament configuration primarily included torpedoes, suitable for attack missions. After her commissioning, she conducted shakedown and weapons testing, followed by numerous Atlantic deployments focused on submarine operations, training, and exercises. Notably, she participated in NATO exercises such as "Strong Express" and "Escort Deep," and engaged in Mediterranean and North Atlantic cruises, including a significant six-month Mediterranean deployment from late 1989 to early 1990. A notable incident occurred on 20 September 1977, when Ray struck a coral mountain off the coast of Tunisia while submerged in the Mediterranean Sea. The collision caused hull damage, destroying sonar equipment and creating cracks along the hull, although there were no fatalities. The submarine was repaired over the course of a year at Charleston Naval Shipyard. Throughout her service, Ray was involved in Arctic operations, surfacing at the North Pole alongside sister submarines in 1986, and conducted missions north of the Arctic Circle, earning multiple citations including a Meritorious Unit Citation. Her operational history also included participation in operations near Libya and in the Gulf of Sidra. Decommissioned on 16 March 1993, Ray was one of the most decorated attack submarines of the Atlantic Fleet, with numerous unit citations and medals. Her scrapping was completed in 2003 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, marking the end of her distinguished service.

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