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

USS TENNESSEE 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 TENNESSEE was a captured Confederate side wheeler commissioned in 1862, then renamed USS MOBILE two years later.

The second, a case-mated ironclad ram, commissioned in the Confederate Navy in 1864, was captured and commissioned in the U.S. Navy later that year. She finished the Civil War as a federal ship, then was sold for scrap in 1867.

The third was a steam frigate originally commissioned as MADAWASKA In 1867. Her name was changed to TENNESSEE two years later.

The fourth TENNESSEE was Armored Cruiser No. 10, commissioned in 1906 and renamed MEMPHIS in 1916 to clear the name for the Battleship BB 43.

The 624-foot Battleship TENNESSEE and her sister ship, CALIFORNIA, were the first American battleships built to a "post-Jutland" hull design. As a result of extensive experimentation and testing, their underwater hull protection was much greater than that of previous battleships.

Commissioned in 1920, BB 43 served continuously until 1947, particularly distinguishing herself during World War ll. She suffered bomb damage during the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, but was repaired and back in action a short time later.

The battleship went on to participate in a number of major Pacific operations and earned a Navy Unit Commendation and 10 battle stars for her World War ll action.

USS TENNESSEE is the first submarine and the sixth U.S. Naval ship to bear the name.