Description
The USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) is a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine which has been in commission since 1991. She is the third U.S. Navy ship to be named for Kentucky, the 15th state. USS Kentucky (SSBN-737) serves as a vital part of America’s nuclear deterrent by carrying Trident ballistic missiles, operating from its homeport at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington, and forming the most survivable leg of the U.S. strategic nuclear triad.
In both 2001 and 2002, USS Kentucky‘s Gold Crew won first place in the United States Atlantic Fleet in the Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award Submarine Afloat Galley competition for outstanding food service.
The USS Kentucky’s Blue and Gold Crews were awarded the Omaha Trophy for service as the best ballistic missile submarine in 2009.
On July 18 2023, Kentucky made a port visit to the Busan Naval Base in South Korea, the first such visit in over forty years. Just days prior, USS Tennessee(SSBN-734) made a port visit to HMNB Clyde in Scotland. This was allegedly conducted as a show of force and to demonstrate the capabilities of the U.S. SSBN Fleet. During the visit, the President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim-hee toured the submarine. U.S. General Paul LaCamera, commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, called the USS Kentucky a strategic American asset for extended deterrence, adding that the first visit by an American SSBN to Korea in over 40 years shows the “ironclad U.S. commitment to defending the Republic of Korea.”
This coin is struck in a shiny frosted finish and features special transparent enamel combined with a 3D UV-printed representation of the ship that gives an impression that can be both seen and felt. The reverse proudly displays the U.S. Navy Emblem with a space for engraving.
This coin measures 1.75 in (44mm) in diameter.
