USS Lafayette (SSBN-616)

The keel of the USS Lafayette (SSN-616) was laid down by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation at Groton, Connecticut on January 17, 1961. The ship was sponsored by Mrs. John F. Kennedy and launched on May 8, 1962. Lafayette was commissioned on April 23, 1963 with Commander Patrick J. Hannifin (Blue) and Commander James T. Strong (Gold) in command.

The USS Lafayette was the first SSBN design  intended for the longer duration deterrent missile patrols. She was the first SSBN designed solely as a missile submarine. Lafayette was also the first submarine to be forward deployed from Naval Base Rota, Spain.

Outfitted originally with the Polaris A-2 missile, Lafayette was later converted to carry the Polaris A-3 and the Poseidon C3 missiles.

Lafayette was decommissioned and struck from the Navy list on August 12, 1991.  

Sources: 
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships  (1959-1991)
U.S. Navy Ship 20th Century Historical Database