USS MAINE development was based on extensive considerations of all aspects of survivability and capabilities required in a sea based deterrent platform designed for operations through the next century. USS MAINE incorporates the new, more quiet machinery that cannot be installed in other fleet ballistic missile submarines because of space and weight constraints. It has an advanced sonar system, comparable to that developed for the United States Navy's newest attack submarines. This sonar suite is capable of providing long-range detection and a more effective capabilities for tracking other ships or submarines.

Key features of USS MAINE include: improved maintainability, reliability, and availability resulting from modular replacement concepts of major equipment, improved design and incorporation of integrated logistics support.

USS MAINE has additional growth potential to accommodate future technology as it becomes available, both in ship systems and in larger missiles. High patrol speeds will greatly increase ocean operating area, providing the ability to avoid potential enemies, thus enhancing survivability.

The first MAINE was a second class battleship launched on 13 November 1890 and commissioned 17 September 1895. This vessel started the tradition of namesake visits when it was moored in Portland from 25 through 29 November of that year. From 1895 through 1897 the MAINE operated out of Hampton Roads, New York, and Key West, conducting various fleet maneuvers and training.

Due to increased tensions in Cuba, the MAINE was ordered to Havana Harbor to show the flag, arriving on 25 January 1898. At 2140 on 15 February 1898, an appalling explosion blew up the MAINE and precipitated the Spanish-American War. Two officers and 250 men were killed outright and eight others died of injuries. The tragedy made"Remember the MAINE" a part of American history.

The MAINE was raised on 2 February 1912, towed to the Gulf of Mexico, and sunk with appropriate Naval honors on 16 March 1912. One mast from the MAINE, inscribed with the names of the ship's dead, is located in Arlington National Cemetery; the other is located at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

The second MAINE (BB-10) was a battleship launched on 27 July 1901 and commissioned 29 December 1902. During 1904 it deployed to the Mediterranean visiting Greece, Austria, and Hungary. In 1907 it joined the Great White Fleet as a part of the Third Division, but was later relieved by the USS NEBRASKA before departing San Francisco on 8 June 1908 for a world cruise in advance of the Great White Fleet with the USS ALABAMA. MAINE transited the Suez Canal in September and returned to Portsmouth, New Hampshire on 19 October 1908.

The second MAINE's first decommissioning was on 31 August 1909. It was recommissioned on 15 June 1911 and operated for both active and reserve fleets, training reservists during the war and Naval Academy Midshipman in 1919. the MAINE's second and final decommissioning was 5 May 1920.