The Boat

The USS Boise (SSN-764) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear powered submarine, and its homeport is Norfolk, Virginia.  It is the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Boise, Idaho.  The Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia was awarded the contract on February 6, 1987, and the keel was laid down on August 25, 1988.  The USS Boise was launched on March 23, 1991 and was officially commissioned on November 7, 1992.  

The USS Boise is approximately 362 feet long, 33 feet wide, and weighs 6900 tons submerged.  The boat has a complement of 13 Officers and 121 Enlisted Sailors, and the motto is “A One Ship Fleet”.  

In March of 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the USS Boise launched a full load of Tomahawk missiles in support of the initial invasion.  The boat and crew were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for their distinguished service in action.

Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Jim Hampshire.