James Madison-class (SSBN-627)

Summary

Description

The James Madison class of fleet ballistic missile submarines was a significant part of the United States Navy's strategic nuclear deterrent force, representing an evolutionary improvement from the earlier Lafayette class. Originally designed to carry the enhanced Polaris A-3 missile, submarines of the James Madison class formed a core component of the "41 for Freedom," a fleet whose mission was to maintain a credible and robust nuclear deterrent during the Cold War era, especially until the late 1980s.

The design of the James Madison class closely mirrored that of the Lafayette class, with modifications to accommodate the Polaris A-3 missiles. However, the 1970s brought further updates when these submarines were adapted to hold the more advanced Poseidon C-3 missiles. Continuing this trend of armament upgrades, six of the submarines were again modified in the late 1970s and early 1980s to carry the Trident I C-4 missile system, reflecting changes in strategic requirements and technological developments.

The operational history of the James Madison class spanned several decades and witnessed shifts in global politics, with decommissioning processes taking place between 1986 and 1995. Influenced by several factors—including the stipulations of the SALT II treaty, the introduction of the newer Ohio class SSBNs, the vessels' ages, and the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union—the decommissioning marked the end of an era in U.S. naval strategy.

Technical specifications

Photo of James Madison class

Silhouette