Submarine building proceeded at a furious pace in the early 1960s, as the United States strove to deploy a major component of its Strategic Triad. From 1960 to 1966 the U.S. Navy launched a total of 41 SSBNs, called the "41 for Freedom." All were named for eminent figures in American history and divided among the 5 ship Washington Class, the 5 ship Ethan Allen class, the 19 ship Lafayette Class and the 12 ship Franklin Class. Initially, each boat carried 16 Polaris nuclear missiles that could be launched underwater toward distant targets. Conversion to Poseidon missiles began in 1972. Further modification allowed Franklin-class boats to convert to Trident I missiles beginning in 1979.
41 For Freedom
By Randall E. White, MM1(SS)
Hidden deep below the sea
live the men who keep the peace
Grouped in crews of blue and gold
highly skilled both young and old
Ballistic birds prepared to soar
giant pawns of a political war
Nothing less than perfection allowed
41 for freedom stand tall and proud
Named for heros the world beknown
cold war icons the seas they roam
They sailed for freedom for one and all
perched and ready to answer the call
Most are history a time long gone
leaving the Tridents to carry on
The cold wars over the world, a better place
41 for freedom protecting the human race
