Ordered 3 February 1961 Commissioned 7 December 1963 Construction started 31 July 1961 Length 130 m | Laid down 31 July 1961 Decommissioned 25 September 1990 Launched 4 August 1962 Builder Newport News Shipbuilding | |
 | ||
Sponsored by Mrs. Roswell L. Gilpatric | ||
USS James Monroe (SSBN-622), a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for James Monroe. She served with the United States Navy from 1963 to 1990.
Contents
Construction and commissioning
The contract to build James Monroe was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia on 3 February 1961 and her keel was laid down there on 31 July 1961. She was launched on 4 August 1962 sponsored by Mrs. Roswell L. Gilpatric, and commissioned on 7 December 1963, with Commander William H. Sandford in command of the Blue Crew and Commander Warren R. Cobean, Jr., in command of the Gold Crew.
Operational history
Following shakedown off Cape Kennedy, Florida, James Monroe spent the early months of 1964 in ballistic missile tests. She departed for her first deterrent patrol in June 1964. On 17 January 1967, James Monroe completed her twelfth deterrent patrol, having operated from both Holy Loch, Scotland, and Rota, Spain.
Decommissioning and disposal
James Monroe was decommissioned on 25 September 1990 and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register the same day. Ex-James Monroe entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program in Bremerton, Washington. Recycling of Ex-James Monroe was completed on 10 January 1995.
