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Navnews for 02/99 -USN- NNS0204. USS James K. Polk deactivated by SUBLANT Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS James K. Polk (SSN 645) was honored Jan. 8 during deactivation ceremonies at Naval Station Norfolk. The nuclear-powered attack submarine was commissioned as SSBN 645 on April 16, 1966. After her initial strategic loadout of 16 Polaris missiles, James K. Polk was assigned to Submarine Squadron 18, in Charleston, S.C. During her career, James K. Polk conducted 66 strategic deterrent patrols, 19 with Polaris missiles and 47 with Poseidon missiles. She completed her last patrol as a ballistic missile submarine in August 1991. In March 1994, James K. Polk completed a 19-month conversion at Newport News Shipbuilding from a ballistic missile to an attack submarine with special operating forces capabilities. She then changed homeports to Norfolk and joined Submarine Squadron Six, where she finishes her career. James K. Polk completed three deployments to the Mediterranean. In addition to participating in numerous special warfare and antisubmarine warfare exercises, she was a major player in many NATO exercises conducted in 1996 and in 1998. James K. Polk and crew departed Norfolk for the last time Jan. 12 en route to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Wash., for decommissioning. -USN-