John Marshall SSBN-611

 

 

John Marshall

(SSB(N)-611: dp. 6,900 (surf.), 7,900 (subm.); 1. 410'6"; b. 33'; dr. 30'9", s. over 20 k.; cpl. 112; a. 16 A-2 Poll mist; cl. Ethan Allen)

John Marshall (SSB(N)-611) was laid down 4 April 1960 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va.; launched 15 July 1961; sponsored by Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy, wife of the Attorney General of the United States; and commissioned 21 May 1962, Comdr. Robert iV. Stecher ( blue crew ) and Comdr. Robert D. Donavan ( gold crew ) in command.

Jolin Marshall sailed 31 May 1962 for shakedown cruise off the Fast Coast. Following post-shakedown alterations in her builder's yard, she proceeded to her homeport, Charlestown, S.C., arriving 15 December 1962. The ninth operational Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine, she de" parted Charleston 31 December 1962 for her first Polaris patrol in the Atlantic which terminated upon her arrival at her base at Holy Loch, Scotland, 8 March 1963. Based there, she completed her ninth patrol 15 January 1965 and immediately began preparations to sail again to defend her nation and the free world.

In the following years John Marshall made 17 successful Polaris patrols before beginning her first major overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., 13 December 1966 to prepare for resuming her vigils late the following year.