USS Portsmouth (SSN-707)

USS "Portsmouth" (SSN-707), a "Los Angeles"-class submarine, was the fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named for Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Portsmouth, Virginia. The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 10 December 1973 and her keel was laid down on 8 May 1980. She was launched on 18 September 1982 sponsored by Mrs. Helen Poe Goodrich, and commissioned on 1 October 1983, with Commander Donald M. Olson in command.

Three weeks after commissioning "Portsmouth" began her first mission, supporting rescue operations in Grenada. She was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for that action.

In 1984 "Portsmouth" entered her homeport of San Diego, California.

She was the first American nuclear powered warship to make a liberty visit to communist Chinese reunified Hong Kong.

On 10 September 2004 "Portsmouth" decommissioned at Norfolk, Virginia. While the submarine was only halfway through her design lifespan, her reactor core required refueling. Decommissioning was chosen as a cost-saving measure.

Awards

The ship deployed to 5th Fleet with the Nimitz Battle Group in 1995-1996. She was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) and the COMSUBRON 11 Battle "E".

The ship deployed to 7th Fleet in 1997. The crew was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

References