USS Alabama ( SSBN - 731 ) USS " Alabama " ( SSBN - 731 ) is the sixth nuclear - powered fleet ballistic missile submarine , and the sixth United States ship to be named for the state of Alabama . The ship ' s motto mimics the state ' s motto , " Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere " ( " We dare to defend our rights " ) . Construction and commissioning . The contract for " Alabama " s construction was awarded on 27 February 1978 and her keel was laid down on 14 October 1980 at Groton , Connecticut , by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics . She was launched on 19 May 1984 , sponsored by Mrs . Barbara E . Dickinson , wife of William Louis Dickinson , Representative from Alabama , and commissioned at Naval Submarine Base New London at New London , Connecticut , on 25 May 1985 . Operational history . After commissioning , " Alabama " departed Connecticut to conduct her shakedown cruise off the coast of Florida . After several domestic maneuvers and crew changes , " Alabama " visited Mobile , Alabama , before heading for the Panama Canal and from there to Bangor , Washington . " Alabama " operated out of Bangor until mid - May 1986 , when she embarked on her first strategic deterrent patrol . Operating from the Pacific Northwest , " Alabama " carried out four deterrent patrols between June and December 1986 . In May 1988 , " Alabama " conducted a successful test ballistic missile firing , launching two Trident I C4 ballistic missiles . On 1 September 1988 , " Alabama " moored at Bangor to complete her ninth deterrent patrol and the 100th strategic deterrent patrol by a Trident - armed submarine . An official ceremony commemorating the event was held pier - side with then - Undersecretary of the Navy H . Lawrence Garrett III heading the official greeting party . " Alabama " conducted another test ballistic missile firing in August 1989 , launching four Trident I C4 ballistic missiles . In the 1990s " Alabama " conducted routine refit operations out of Bangor Washington , post - refit sea trials operations in Dabob Bay , and patrol operations in the Pacific Ocean . Ports - of - call included Seattle , Washington ; San Diego and Long Beach , California ; and Pearl Harbor , Hawaii . In February 1991 , " Alabama " was selected as the change of command platform for the Commander - in - Chief Pacific Fleet ( CINCPACFLT ) in Pearl Harbor . August 1992 , " Alabama " embarked Commander - in - Chief , United States Strategic Command ( CINCSTRATCOM ) and his entourage of senior U . S . Air Force and Navy Officers for an at - sea submerged orientation tour concerning SSBN strategic deterrent operations . In January 1996 , the ship was awarded the Battle Efficiency E and the Strategic Operations S by the Commander of Submarine Squadron 17 . In March , she was awarded the U . S . Strategic Command ' s Omaha Trophy for ballistic missile unit excellence . In March 1999 , " Alabama " conducted exercises with the battle group and . In September , she conducted underway operations for the Defense Advisory Counsel on Women in the Services . After completing 47 strategic deterrent patrols , " Alabama " underwent a refit in 1999 and returned to service with numerous tactical and survivability upgrades . In the spring 2000 , " Alabama " completed her 50th strategic deterrent patrol and celebrated her 15th birthday . February 2000 , conducted exercises with the battle group . In April , she conducted a VIP cruise in Dabob Bay , Washington to host the Chief of Defense of Japan and members of his staff . In August , she again conducted exercises with the USS " Abraham Lincoln " battle group . " Alabama " entered the Bremerton Annex of Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor in 2005 to undergo a nuclear reactor refueling overhaul and conversion of her ballistic missile systems to support the Trident II D5 ballistic missiles , which replaced her Trident I C4 ballistic missiles and launchers ; " Alabama " was the last Trident C4 - equipped submarine to be refitted with the Trident D5 missile system . The refueling overhaul and Trident D5 conversion was completed in February 2009 . " Alabama " is currently part of Submarine Group 9 and her home port is at Naval Submarine Base , Bangor , Washington .