louisiana2000

Five ships have been named in honor of the State of Louisiana. All have born the name proudly with distinguished service records. The first USS Louisiana was a New Orleans built sloop of war that protected the State’s coast during the War of 1812. The city was protected by the ship’s cannons and when the wind died down, and the British troops had advanced out of range, the crew labored to tow the ship to a position where they could open fire again. The ship and crew are credited with helping General Andrew Jackson defeat the British invaders. The second USS Louisiana was a side-wheeler that served in the blockade off North Carolina. In December 1862 the ship protected Washington,DC when threatened by Confederate forces. It later rejoined the blockade fleet and finally became a demolitions ship used to attack Fort Fisher.

The Battleship USS Louisiana, BB19 was part of President Teddy Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet sent around the world as a messenger of the new United States Navy as a deterrent to foreign threats and intentions. The fourth USS Louisiana BB 71 was a Montana Class Battleship, intended to engage Japanese ships of the Yamato Class. Armed with four triple turreted 16′ guns she was never launched.

The current USS Louisiana SSBN 743 is the 18th and last Trident missile submarine to be launched. She bears the name of her proud predecessors and stands to serve her country.