The USS San Francisco (SSN-711) stands as a notable vessel within the United States Navy's formidable fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. As a distinguished member of the Los Angeles-class, she embodies the pinnacle of attack submarine technology from her era, designed for a broad spectrum of critical missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) to intelligence gathering and special operations support.

Her designation, SSN-711, signifies her status as an "SSN" – a Ship Submersible Nuclear – underscoring her nuclear propulsion system which provides unparalleled endurance and stealth capabilities for extended underwater operations globally.

The Los Angeles-Class: A Cornerstone of Naval Power

The Los Angeles-class (also known as the 688 class) represents one of the most successful and numerous classes of nuclear attack submarines ever built, with 62 vessels constructed between the mid-1970s and early 1990s. These submarines were primarily designed during the Cold War to counter the Soviet Union's growing naval power, particularly its own sophisticated submarine fleet. Key characteristics and capabilities of the Los Angeles-class, which the USS San Francisco shared, include:

• Versatile Mission Profile: Capable of conducting covert intelligence collection, delivering Special Operations Forces, mine-laying, and engaging both surface ships and other submarines.
• Advanced Sonar Systems: Equipped with sophisticated sonar arrays for detection, tracking, and targeting.
• Powerful Armament: Featuring four torpedo tubes for launching Mk 48 torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The USS San Francisco (SSN-711) is part of the "Improved Los Angeles" (688I) sub-class, which notably incorporated 12 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes in the bow, allowing for rapid deployment of Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles without using the torpedo tubes.
• Nuclear Propulsion: Powered by a single General Electric S6G nuclear reactor, providing virtually unlimited range and high submerged speeds, making them exceptionally difficult to detect and track.

A Legacy of Namesake: The Third USS San Francisco

The USS San Francisco (SSN-711) holds a unique place in naval history as the third vessel of the United States Navy to bear the name of the iconic city of San Francisco, California. This naming tradition honors the strong connection between the nation's naval prowess and its vibrant coastal cities. The predecessors to SSN-711 were:

• USS San Francisco (C-5): A protected cruiser commissioned in 1890. This vessel saw service during the Spanish-American War and World War I before being decommissioned in 1921.
• USS San Francisco (CA-38): A New Orleans-class heavy cruiser commissioned in 1934. This highly decorated warship earned 17 battle stars during World War II, playing a critical role in numerous Pacific campaigns, most notably the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where she sustained heavy damage but continued to fight with extraordinary valor.

The distinction between "ship" and "boat" is often nuanced in naval terminology; while all are vessels, submarines are traditionally referred to as "boats" due to their smaller crew size and unique operational environment compared to larger surface combatants or aircraft carriers.

Notable Operational History and Disposition

Commissioned on April 24, 1981, the USS San Francisco served with distinction for over three decades. Her career, like many vessels, included numerous deployments, exercises, and missions vital to national security. One of the most significant events in her operational history occurred on January 8, 2005, when she collided with an uncharted seamount while submerged near Guam. This severe incident caused extensive damage to her bow and tragically resulted in the death of one sailor and injuries to many others. Demonstrating the resilience and ingenuity of the U.S. Navy, the submarine underwent a remarkable repair process where her damaged bow was replaced with the bow section from the decommissioned USS Honolulu (SSN-718), allowing her to return to service. This unique repair highlights the Navy's commitment to maintaining its critical assets.

The USS San Francisco was ultimately decommissioned on November 4, 2017. Following her active service, she embarked on a new phase of her life, being converted into a moored training ship (MTS-711) at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina. In this capacity, she continues to serve the Navy by providing a vital platform for training future generations of nuclear-trained sailors, contributing to the readiness and expertise of the submarine force.

Frequently Asked Questions About USS San Francisco (SSN-711)

What type of submarine is USS San Francisco (SSN-711)?

The USS San Francisco (SSN-711) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN).

When was USS San Francisco (SSN-711) commissioned?

She was commissioned into the United States Navy on April 24, 1981.

What are the primary roles of a Los Angeles-class submarine like SSN-711?

Their primary roles include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), intelligence gathering, special operations support, and strike missions using cruise missiles.

What distinguishes USS San Francisco (SSN-711) within the Los Angeles-class?

SSN-711 is an "Improved Los Angeles" (688I) submarine, meaning she features 12 vertical launch system (VLS) tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles in addition to her four torpedo tubes.

How many U.S. Navy vessels have been named after San Francisco, California?

The USS San Francisco (SSN-711) is the third U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name, following a protected cruiser (C-5) and a heavy cruiser (CA-38).

What significant incident occurred during the USS San Francisco's career?

On January 8, 2005, she collided with an uncharted seamount near Guam, causing significant damage and one fatality. She was famously repaired by having her bow replaced with that of another decommissioned submarine, the USS Honolulu (SSN-718).

What is the current status of USS San Francisco (SSN-711)?

After decommissioning in 2017, she was converted into a moored training ship (MTS-711) and now serves as a platform for training nuclear-trained sailors at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina.