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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive


Patch at left contributed by Mike Smolinski

Kamehameha (SSBN-642) (SSN-642)

Radio Call Sign: November - Sierra- Kilo- Uniform
Benjamin Franklin Class Ballistic Missile Submarine: Laid down, 2 May 1963, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA.; Launched, 16 January 1965; Commissioned, USS Kamehameha (SSBN-642), 10 December 1965; Reconfigured for special warfare operations and redesignated, Attack Submarine (SSN-642), in July 1992; Decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register, 2 April 2002; Final Disposition, undergoing disposal through the NPSSRP (Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA.

SSBN Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 7,325 t., Submerged: 8,251 t.; Length 425'; Beam 33'; Draft 29'; Speed, Surfaced 16 kts, Submerged 21 kts; Depth limit 1,300'; Complement 140 (each crew, blue and gold); Armament, 16 missile tubes; four 21" torpedo tubes, forward, MK 14/16 Anti-ship Torpedo MK 37 Anti-Submarine Torpedo, MK 45 ASTOR Nuclear Torpedo MK 48 Anti-Submarine Torpedo ; Combat Sensors, BPS-11A or BPS-15 surface-search radar, BQR-7 sonar, BQR-15 towed-array sonar, BQR-19 sonar, BQR-21 sonar, BQS-4 sonar Propulsion, S5W nuclear reactor two geared steam turbines, 15,000 SHP, one propeller.
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Kamehameha 145k The plate marking the keel laying of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 May 1963. The hull was not named Kamehameha until 10 May 1963.
US Navy photo # MSA 58912-5-63, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 155k A photo of the keel laying party for the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 May 1963. From left to right: Capt. Paul F. Straub (Shipyard Production Officer); Keel-layers Guido J. Rosati (Head, Industrial Hygiene) and George L. Morgan (Quarterman Stockman, Supply Dept.); RADM Edward J. Fahy (Shipyard Commander); Keel-layers Wayne G. Scott (Master Welder) and Sam Inzalaco (Master Painter); and LCDR McLaughlin. (Note that the ship's name does not appear on the sign in the background since the hull was not named until 10 May 1963).
US Navy photo # MSA 58913-5-63, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 91kRADM Edward J. Fahy (Shipyard Commander) stamps his initials on keel plate of the (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 May 1963. The entire keel-laying ceremony required only six minutes.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Daniel Boone & Kamehameha 369kDaniel Boone (SSBN-629) is being prepared for launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 22 June 1963. Note: Kamehameha (SSBN-642) is under construction on the ways to the left.
USN photo MSA 59595-6-63, contributed by Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 210k This photo appeared in the 11 Dec 1964 issue of Mare Island's newspaper the "Grapevine". Caption reads: "Another Polaris missile launch tube assembly is rigged for landing aboard Kamehameha (SSBN-642). Next week the last of 16 such will be in place on the "the 642" a full month before the submarine slides down the building ways. Although the Yard has launched FM subs with all of the old-type :inner tubes" aboard, this ship will be the first to have all 16 of the foam-cushioned assemblies when she leaves the ways".
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 172kThis photo of the building shed for Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard circa 1964 appeared in the North American Aviation, Inc. Magazine "Skyline" Vol. 22, Number 3 in 1964.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 339kA bow view of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) taken on 15 Jan 1965, being prepared for launching on following day at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
US Navy photo # MSA 66266-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 172k A view of the forward poppet of the launch cradle for the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) on 15 Jan 1965 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
US Navy photo # MSA 66267-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 165k The Kamehameha (SSBN-642) launch trigger. Photo taken 15 Jan 1965 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
US Navy photo # MSA 66268-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 188k Mare Island Naval Shipyard Shipwrights are shown preparing for the launching of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) on 15 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo # MSA 66260-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 48k Postal cover marking the launching of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 196k Kamehameha (SSBN-642) just prior to her launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan. 1965.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker. Photo scanned from original negatives courtesy of By Design, Benicia, CA
Kamehameha 242k Kamehameha (SSBN-642) is seen in dry dock 3 at Mare Island on 16 Jan 1965 after her launch. She was in dock to drop her launching cradle.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker. Photo scanned from original negatives courtesy of By Design, Benicia, CA
Kamehameha 127kMrs. Samuel WIlder King, Sponsor of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) is shown christening the ship at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965. Assisting her are RADM Edward J. Fahy, Shipyard Commander, (left) and Capt Norbert Frankenberger, Shipyard Production Officer.
US Navy photo # MSA 66283-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 80k Mrs. Samuel Wilder King, Sponsor of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) is shown with the Matron of Honor Mrs. Robert B. Ebert at the reception marking the ship's launching at Mare Island on 16 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo # MSA 66292-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 177kHonors are rendered to Senator Daniel K. Inquye at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965. The Senator was a speaker at the launching of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642). Note the tropical decorations in the ceremony area.
US Navy photo # MSA 66273-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 321k Mrs. Samuel Wilder King (Ship's Sponsor) is prepared to christen the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965. Kamehameha was the yard's sixth Polaris and 11th nuclear-powered submarine. The hull of the Gurnard (SSN 662) being constructed on the ways to the right.
US Navy photo # MSA 66282-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 291k The Kamehameha (SSBN-642) is half way down the ways at her launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo # MSA 66284-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 326kThe Kamehameha (SSBN-642) is at the end of the ways at her launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo # MSA 66286-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 232k The Kamehameha (SSBN-642) is waterborne after her launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo # 66345-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 195kA boardside view of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) after her launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo # 66289-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 92k Senator Daniel K. Inouye (Hawaii) was one of the guest speakers at the launching of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 Jan 1965.
US Navy photo # MSA 66280-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 122kRADM Edward J. Fahy, USN (Shipyard Commander), RADM Eugene B. Fluckey, USN (Commander Submarine Force, Pacific), RADM Richard H. O'Kane, USN (Ret), and Capt George L. Street, III are shown at the launching reception for the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island on 16 Jan 1965. Admirals Fluckey and O'Kane and Capt Street are noted World War II submarine commanders.
US Navy photo # MSA 66300-1-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 200kA sabot is fired from one of Kamehameha's (SSBN-642) missle tubes at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 22 Aug 1965 while she was being outfitted.
US Navy photo # MSA 69846-8-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha22k Commemorative post mark on the occassion of the Kamehameha's (SSBN-642) commissioning, 10 Dec 1965.
Courtesy of Frank Cramer.
Kamehameha 154k Bow view of Kamehameha (SSBN-642) in dry dock #3 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 10 Dec 1965 during her commissioning.
US Navy photo # MSA 70893-12-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 197k Stern view of Kamehameha (SSBN-642) in dry dock #3 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 10 Dec 1965 during her commissioning.
US Navy photo # MSA 70895-12-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 200kView of the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) in dry dock #3 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 10 Dec 1965 during her commissioning.
US Navy photo # MSA 70896-12-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 166k Honors are rendered to ADM Roy L. Johnson, Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific Fleet during the commissioning ceremony for the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island on 10 Dec 1965.
US Navy photo # MSA 70897-12-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 195k Colors are raised aboard the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) in dry dock #3 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 10 Dec 1965 during her commissioning.
US Navy photo # MSA 70902-12-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 53k Commissioning party for the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island on 10 Dec 1965; from left to right Radm Edward J. Fahy (Shipyard Commander), CDR Robert W. Diskieson (CO Gold Crew), CDR Roth S. Leddick (CO Blue Crew), and LCDR Charles H. Pitts, CHC, USN.
US Navy photo # MSA 70912-12-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 50kADM Roy L. Johnson, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet addresses the guests at the commissioning of Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island on 10 Dec 1965.
US Navy photo # 70909-12-65, courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 169k Crew list of Kamehameha (SSBN-642) Gold Crew at the time of commissioning.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 169k Crew list of Kamehameha (SSBN-642) Blue Crew at the time of commissioning.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 119k The Kamehameha (SSN-642) returns to Mare Island after completing sea trials in July 1993. Kamehameha was convered to a SSN at Mare Island from 24 Sep 1992 and 23 Jul 1993.
US Navy photo courtesy of Darryl Baker.
Kamehameha 67kKamehameha (SSN-642), glides past Orote Point through Apra Harbor, Guam, 13 April 2001. The ballistic missile submarine converted to a conventional submarine in July 1992. She is equipped with two dry deck shelters (DDS) to support Navy SEALS and SEAL Delivery Vehicles during special operations.US Navy photo # N-9885M-003, by PH1 Alan D. Monyelle USN. US Navy Chinfo Ship Images.
Kamehameha 96kKamehameha (SSBN-642), date and place unknown.
US Navy photo courtesy of Federation of American Scientists web site.
Kamehameha 98kKamehameha (SSN-642) underway, date and place unknown.
US Navy photo courtesy of COMSUBGRU Nine web site.
Kamehameha 33kKamehameha (SSN-642) underway submerged, date and place unknown.
US Navy photo courtesy of COMSUBGRU Nine web site.
Kamehameha 89kKamehameha (SSN-642) helicopter hovering over her dry dock shelters, date and place unknown.
US Navy photo courtesy of COMSUBGRU Nine web site.
Kamehameha 69kKamehameha (SSN-642) command center, date and place unknown.
US Navy photo courtesy of globalsecurity.org web site.
Kamehameha 42kKamehameha (SSN-642) divers practice boarding, date and place unknown.
US Navy photo courtesy of globalsecurity.org web site.
Kamehameha54kKamehameha (SSN-642) & tender Hunley (AS-31), with the Harbor Tug Natick (YTB-760) coming alongside in Holy Loch, Scotland, circa 1985.
Courtesy of Jack Treutle & kamfish.com.
Kamehameha64k Commemorative post mark from Kamehameha's (SSN-642) visit to Aqaba, Jordan, 26 April 2000, on the occassion of the first sub that visited that country.
Courtesy of Jack Treutle.
Kamehameha24k Kamehameha's (SSN-642) Commanding Officer, CDR Hesse, escorts King Abdulah of Jordan on a tour of the boat during her visit to Aqaba, Jordan, 26 April 2000.
Courtesy of Jack Treutle.
Kamehameha71k Commemorative post mark to Kamehameha's (SSN-642) inactivation ceremony, 8 August, 2001.
Courtesy of Jack Treutle.
Kamehameha & Batfish33kCommemorative post mark on Kamehameha (SSN-642) & Batfish (SSN-681) after finishing the NPSSRP (Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program), Sept. 2002.
Courtesy of Jack Treutle.
There is no DANFS History currently available for Kamehameha (SSBN/SSN-642) at the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site, the main archive for the DANFS Online Project.
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association
Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
Subnet, USS Kamehameha (SSBN 642)
USS KAMEHAMEHA SSBN-642
Official US Navy Web Site - USS Kamehameha (SSN-642)
FAS - SSBN-640 Benjamin Franklin-Class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines
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This page is created and maintained by Michael Mohl
© 2002 Michael Mohl © 2002 NavSource Naval History. All Rights Reserved.