Service history USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN-635)

sam rayburn c. 1964, missile hatches showing billiard ball livery

sam rayburn conducted demonstration , shakedown operations on atlantic missile range, first manned blue crew , gold crew. joined submarine squadron 18 @ charleston, south carolina, before first polaris ballistic missile deterrent patrol in summer of 1965. in august 1965, joined submarine squadron 16 , made 7 deterrent patrols out of rota, spain, before rejoining submarine squadron 18 @ charleston in december 1966. during 1967, sam rayburn completed 8th through 11th deterrent patrols. during 1968, completed 12th through 14th deterrent patrols.

during 1969, sam rayburn operated continuously submarine squadron 18 until commencing overhaul @ portsmouth naval shipyard @ kittery, maine, in december 1969. upon completion of overhaul on 27 may 1971, operated along united states east coast remainder of 1971 , 1972.

in 1972, sam rayburn departed groton, connecticut, , arrived @ charleston before departing charleston on extended period of special operations. in june 1974, remained engaged in special operations.