The ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky is the third U.S. Naval vessel to be named in honor of the Bluegrass state, and the twelfth Trident submarine commissioned.

SSBN 737 was authorized in FY1985; laid down by Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Co., Groton, Conn., October 24, 1987; launched August 11, 1990; sponsored by Mrs. Larry J. Hopkins; and commissioned July 13, 1991 with Capt Michael G. Riegel (Blue); Capt Joseph Henry (Gold) in command.

August 31, 1991 USS Kentucky Blue Crew successfully launched a Trident II (D5) missile in support of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation.

November 4, USS Kentucky (Gold) successfully launched a Trident II missile in support of its Demonstration and Shakedown Operation off Cape Canaveral, Fla.

June 2, 1992 SSBN 737 completed its strategic loadout at Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic, Kings Bay, Ga. First patrol began Aug. 2.

September 3, USS Kentucky Gold Crew successfully launched four D5 missiles during a CINC Evaluation Test.

March 19, 1998 South of Long Island, New York, USS Kentucky collided with San Juan (SSN 751). The Kentucky's rudder was damaged and the San Juan's forward ballast tank was breached, but the ballistic-missile submarine was able to surface and return to port. No personnel suffered any injuries. The two ships were conducting a joint training drill prior to deployment at the time.

November 10, 1999 SSBN 737 successfully launched two Trident II missiles during a Follow-on CINC Evaluation Test.

May 14, 2001 The Kentucky successfully launched a D5 missile during a Follow-on CINC Evaluation Test.

November 22, 2002 USS Kentucky (Blue), commanded by Cmdr. Ronald W. Melampi, arrived in her new homeport of Bangor, Washington, for the first time. She is the second Ohio-class sub to change the homeport from Kings Bay, Georgia, after U.S. Navy decided to convert the first four ships to new, guided missile submarine (SSGN), class.

March 19, 2004 Cmdr. Ronald W. Melampy turned over leadership of USS Kentucky (Blue) to Cmdr. Paul Skarpness in a traditional change of command ceremony at Naval Undersea Warfare Museum, Keyport, Wash. Melampy assumed command of the fleet ballistic missile submarine in 2001. During his tour, the Kentucky Blue crew successfully executed two patrols in the Atlantic, a homeport change and two patrols in the Pacific.

April 19, After spending more than nine weeks in an unusually complex refit, SSBN 737 confidently slipped into the open waters of Hood Canal, in preparation for her next patrol. With 100,000 production man-hours executed in the completion of more than 1,000 jobs, the refit was a first-ever demonstration of the new surge maintenance capability in the Pacific Northwest.

August 21, 2008 USS Kentucky completed a drydocking for emergent maintenance at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNSY&IMF), returning to the fleet three days earlier than scheduled.

March 20, 2009 Cmdr. Eduardo R. Fernandez relieved Cmdr. Alan W. Holt II as CO of the Kentucky (Blue) during a change-of-command ceremony at the Squadron Headquarters Building Pavilion in Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

February 19, 2010 Cmdr. Joseph A. Noose relieved Cmdr. Benjamin Pearson III as CO of the Kentucky (Gold) during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap.

August 8, 2011 USS Kentucky (Gold) returned to homeport after a 95-day strategic deterrent patrol.

August 12, Cmdr. Joseph Noose relieved Cmdr. Eduardo R. Fernandez as CO of the Kentucky (Green) during a change-of-command ceremony at the Keyport Undersea Museum. The approximate 300 Sailors assigned to the two crews merge into one crew of about 110 sailors during the two-year overhaul and refueling, which will be done at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash.

October 19, Capt. Paul A. Skarpness, Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 17, relieved Cmdr. Joseph A. Nosse due to "a loss of confidence in his ability to command." Cmdr. Gerhard Somlai assumed temporary command.