Navnews for 02/99

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NNS0204. USS James K. Polk deactivated
by SUBLANT Public Affairs
     NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS James K. Polk (SSN 645) was
honored Jan. 8 during deactivation ceremonies at Naval
Station Norfolk.
     The nuclear-powered attack submarine was commissioned
as SSBN 645 on April 16, 1966. After her initial strategic
loadout of 16 Polaris missiles, James K. Polk was assigned
to Submarine Squadron 18, in Charleston, S.C.
     During her career, James K. Polk conducted 66
strategic deterrent patrols, 19 with Polaris missiles and
47 with Poseidon missiles. She completed her last patrol
as a ballistic missile submarine in August 1991.
     In March 1994, James K. Polk completed a 19-month
conversion at Newport News Shipbuilding from a ballistic
missile to an attack submarine with special operating
forces capabilities. She then changed homeports to Norfolk
and joined Submarine Squadron Six, where she finishes her
career.
     James K. Polk completed three deployments to the
Mediterranean. In addition to participating in numerous
special warfare and antisubmarine warfare exercises, she
was a major player in many NATO exercises conducted in
1996 and in 1998.
     James K. Polk and crew departed Norfolk for the last
time Jan. 12 en route to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard,
Wash., for decommissioning.
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