The USS Maryland (SSBN-738) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1992 and currently serving as a key component of the nation's strategic deterrent forces. As the 13th of 18 Ohio-class submarines, Maryland was constructed by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, with her keel laid on 22 April 1986. She was launched on 10 August 1991 and officially commissioned on 13 June 1992. Designed for stealth and nuclear deterrence, Maryland's primary mission is to serve as an undetectable and unattackable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, specifically the Trident D-5. Her operational history includes a successful test launch shortly after her commissioning and the initiation of her strategic patrols. She completed her first deterrent patrol on 19 June 1993, marking her entry into active strategic service. Maryland has a length typical of Ohio-class submarines, with a hull optimized for underwater stealth and missile deployment. Her service record includes notable events such as running aground at Port Canaveral in September 1993 during a medical evacuation, though the damage was minimal, and the crew was cleared of responsibility. She has participated in various tactical exercises, including sink exercises where she fired torpedoes, such as sinking the ex-USS Guam in 2001. Her insignia reflects her Maryland heritage and naval tradition, featuring symbols such as dolphins, a trident, and stars, along with her coat of arms that incorporates the state's historical arms and motto. Maryland's service has garnered numerous awards, and she remains stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, as part of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Strategic Command, playing a vital role in national nuclear deterrence.

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