From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Three ships of the United States Navy have been named USS Rhode Island in honor of the 13th state.
The first USS Rhode Island, was a wooden sidewheel steamer previously named John P. King and Eagle, and later renamed Charleston that saw action in the American Civil War.
The second USS Rhode Island (BB-17), a Virginia-class battleship, sailed on the first leg of the Great White Fleet's voyage, and provided anti-submarine services during World War I.
The Ohio-class submarine SSBN-730 was laid down as Rhode Island, but when Senator Henry M. Jackson died, the next boat to be launched was given his name, and USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740) became the third ship named for the state.
