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 of the Union. 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 Machtley, wife of the Honorable Ronald K. Machtley, U.S. Representative, State of Rhode Island; and commissioned July 9, 1994, with Capt. John K. Eldridge in command (Blue Crew) and Cmdr. Michael Maxfield (Gold).

November 16, USS Rhode Island Gold Crew successfully launched one Trident II (D5) missile during the ship's Demonstration and Shakedown Operation.

June 19, 1995 SSBN 740 completed its strategic loadout at Strategic Weapons Facility, Atlantic, Kings Bay, Ga. First deterrent patrol began July 3.

April 26, 1999 The Rhode Island successfully launched two D5 missiles during a Follow-on CINC Evaluation Test.

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.

October 1, 2010 Cmdr. Douglas J. Adams relieved Cmdr. Robert "Bob" Clark as CO of the Rhode Island (Blue) during a change-of-command ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Chapel. SSBN 740 recently completed its 49th strategic deterrent patrol.

May 16, 2011 USS Rhode Island returned to homeport after completing a strategic deterrent patrol.