USS Daniel Boone (SSBN-629) - Construction and Commissioning

Construction and Commissioning

The contract to build Daniel Boone was awarded to Mare Island Naval Shipyard at Vallejo, California, on 21 July 1961 and her keel was laid down there on 6 February 1962. She was launched on 22 June 1963 sponsored by Mrs. James H. Wakelin, Jr., the wife of Dr. James H. Wakelin, Jr.,a physicist who was the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research and Development from 1959 until 1964. Daniel Boone was commissioned on 23 April 1964, with Commander George P. Steele, III, in command of the Blue Crew and Lieutenant Commander Alan B. Crabtree in command of the Gold Crew.