USS RHODE ISLAND development was based on extensive considerations of all aspects of survivability and capabilities required in a seabased deterrent platformd designed for operations through the next century.

USS RHODE ISLAND 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 RHODE ISLAND include: improved maintainablity, reliability, and availability resulting from modular replacement concepts of major equipment, improved design and incorporation of integrated logistics support.

USS RHODE ISLAND 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 submarine RHODE ISLAND (SSBN 740) is the third U.S. Naval ship to be named in honor of the 13th state of the Union.

The first RHODE ISLAND, a wooden sidewheel steamer, was commissioned in 1861. Serving during the Civil War as a supply ship, RHODE ISLAND carried out essential support duties for well over 200 vessels during 1861-1862, providing mail, paymasters, officers' stores, medicine and other items. Subsequently assigned to the Gulf Blockading Squadron, RHODE ISLAND succeeded during 1862-1863 in forcing ashore a British schooner and two blockage runners.

Following overhaul in March of 1864, RHODE ISLAND was decommissioned, altered, and then recommissioned that October as an auxiliary cruiser. It joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron to patrol the coasts controlled by the Confederacy. After the Civil War, RHODE ISLAND sailed the Atlantic and West Indies before being decommissioned and sold in October, 1867.

The second RHODE ISLAND (BB-17), a battleship launched in 1904, was commissioned in February of 1906. Initially assigned to Division 2, Squadron 1 of the Atlantic Fleet, participated in gunnery practice and other tactical exercises in Cuba. In December of 1907, joined the famed "Great White Fleet" of battleships (16 in all), which sailed to the West Coast and then on a round-the-globe tour. En route to California, the battleship stopped in Trinidad, British West Indies, Rio de Janeiro and Magdalena Bay.

RHODE ISLAND departed San Francisco in July of 1908, sailed with the Fleet to Hawaii, Australia and the Philippines. The battleship continued on to Japan and later, Gibraltar, whereupon it returned to the United States, arriving in Hampton Roads in February of 1909.

From 1909 until the middle of 1916, RHODE ISLAND remained with the Atlantic Fleet, alternately assigned to Divisions 3 and 4. Briefly placed in the Reserve Force, was returned to full commission in March of 1917 after the U.S. had entered World War I. Breaking the flag of the Commander, Battleship Division 3 of the Atlantic Fleet,

RHODE ISLAND was assigned to antisubmarine patrol duty. Following the end of the war in November of 1918, the battleship was assigned to transport duty, making five round-trip voyages to France in the next six months and transporting home a total of more than 5,000 troops. In July of 1919, the vessel was designated flagship of Battleship Squadron 1 of the Pacific Fleet and left Boston Navy Yard for Mare Island. RHODE ISLAND was decommissioned in June of 1920.