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Naval History and Heritage Command

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USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) 

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) 

USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) was laid down 4 April 1960 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va.; launched 15 July 1961; sponsored by Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy, wife of the Attorney General of the United States; and commissioned 21 May 1962, Comdr. Robert W. Stecher (blue crew) and Comdr. Robert D. Donavan (gold crew) in command.

USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) sailed 31 May 1962 for shakedown cruise off the East Coast. Following post-shakedown alterations in her builder's yard, she proceeded to her homeport, Charlestown, S.C., arriving 15 December 1962. The ninth operational Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine, USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) departed Charleston 31 December 1962 for her first Polaris patrol in the Atlantic which terminated upon her arrival at her base at Holy Loch, Scotland, 8 March 1963. Based there, USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) completed her ninth patrol 15 January 1965 and immediately began preparations to sail again to defend her nation and the free world.

In the following years USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) made 17 successful Polaris patrols before beginning her first major overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry dock Co., 13 December 1966 to prepare for resuming her vigils late the following year.

For a complete history of USS John Marshall (SSBN-611) please see its DANFS page.