USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN 640), the lead ship of her class of ballistic missile submarine, was the only submarine of the United States Navy to be named for Benjamin Franklin. On 6 December 1965 the Gold Crew successfully launched a Polaris A-3 ballistic missile in close coordination with an orbital pass of the Gemini 7.
The Ben Franklin was a submarine all right, but it was a research submarine built for Jacque Piccard by Grumman. It was grounded on a reef in 1971. It was the sub that found the Titanic. The Franklin had a short life. Launched 1969, grounded 1971. Now a museum piece.
‘Hey, I was watching that…’ Reminds me of an episode of ‘Two and A-Half Men’. Jake is asleep on the couch, TV is on and Charlie comes in and turns the TV off. Jake sits up saying, “Hey! I’m watching that.”
rubinocreative Premium Member over 13 years ago
Same question: What 1960s vessel was named after Ben Franklin and why?
CateBilling over 13 years ago
Can we cheat? http://www.nickelinstitute.org/index.cfm/ci_id/10812/la_id/1.htm
GROG Premium Member over 13 years ago
Not too closely, apparently, Elliot.
elysummers over 13 years ago
USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN 640), the lead ship of her class of ballistic missile submarine, was the only submarine of the United States Navy to be named for Benjamin Franklin. On 6 December 1965 the Gold Crew successfully launched a Polaris A-3 ballistic missile in close coordination with an orbital pass of the Gemini 7.
Redhead55 over 13 years ago
The Ben Franklin was a submarine all right, but it was a research submarine built for Jacque Piccard by Grumman. It was grounded on a reef in 1971. It was the sub that found the Titanic. The Franklin had a short life. Launched 1969, grounded 1971. Now a museum piece.
Redhead55 over 13 years ago
Eh – so we’re both right.
Woody157 over 13 years ago
‘Hey, I was watching that…’ Reminds me of an episode of ‘Two and A-Half Men’. Jake is asleep on the couch, TV is on and Charlie comes in and turns the TV off. Jake sits up saying, “Hey! I’m watching that.”
lin4869 over 13 years ago
Love how you get folks digging into history facts, Tony!