USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, was the third ship of the U.S. Navy to be named for the 13th state. The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, January 5, 1988, and her keel was laid down September 15, 1988. She was launched July 17, 1993, sponsored by Mrs. Kati Machthley, and commissioned July 9, 1994, with Capt. John K. Eldridge in command (Blue Crew) and Cmdr. Michael Maxfield (Gold).

February 19, 2009 A commemoration ceremony was held aboard the Rhode Island at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, marking the milestone of the ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) conducting 1,000 successful patrol periods since the first patrol of the USS Ohio (SSBN 726) in 1982. USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) returned from the 1000th patrol Feb. 11.

August 11, USS Rhode Island (Gold), commanded by Capt. Kevin Mooney, rescued five people from a capsized boat in the Atlantic Ocean.