USS TENNESSEE (SSBN-734) Displacement 16600 tons (surface) 18750 tons (submerged); Length 559 feet Beam 42 feet Speed 18knots (surface), 26knots (submerged); td. 1200'; armament 24 missile tubes, 4-21" torpedo tubes. forward. Crew 15 officers - 142 enlisted men (each in 2 crews) Blue and Gold Class "OHIO" Keel laid down by Electric Boat Div., of General Dynamics Corp., Groton, CT 9JUN86 Launched: 13DEC86 Sponsored by Mrs. Landess Kelso Commissioned: 17DEC88 with Capt D. Witzenburg [Blue] and Capt Kenneth D. Baker [Gold] in command USS TENNESSEE (SSBN-734) has been developed based on extensive considerations of all aspects of survivability and capability required in a sea-based deterrent system designed for operations through the next century. TENNESSEE incorporates the new, quieter 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, capable of providing long-range detection and a more effective tracking technique. Improved maintainability, reliability, and availability resulting from modular replacement concepts of major equipment, improved design, and incorporation of integrated logistics support are key features of TENNESSEE. TENNESSEE has additional growth potential to accommodate future technology as it becomes available, both in ship systems and in larger missiles. Higher patrol speeds will greatly increase ocean operating area, providing the ability to avoid potential enemies, thus enhancing survivability.