USS Phoenix (SSN-702), a , was the fifth ship of the United States Navy to be named "Phoenix" and the third to be named after the city, Phoenix, Arizona (the first two were named after the mythological bird). The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, on 31 October 1973, and her keel was laid down on 30 July 1977. She was launched on 8 December 1979, sponsored by Mrs. Betty Harvey Rhodes, wife of Congressman John J. Rhodes, and commissioned on 19 December 1981. Phoenix was assigned to Submarine Squadron Eight, home ported in Norfolk, Virginia, where she remained for 16 years. Phoenix spent the first years following her commissioning and Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) conducting several vital deployments and exercises. Highlighting 1983 was a deployment during which she operated in support of the Battle Group, performed oceanographic surveys, and conducted independent anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. During the cruise, Phoenix made a port visit to , Western Australia, in July 1983, then transited the Panama Canal eastward en route to Norfolk to complete her record-setting 203-day, circumnavigation of the globe. In the beginning of 1984, Phoenix conducted a major upkeep period followed by her being the first Los Angeles-class submarine to complete a Consolidated Anti-Submarine Readiness Test (CART). In August, following a Selective Restricted Availability (SRA), Phoenix fired 25 exercise torpedoes while conducting Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) Operations and then successfully completed an unannounced Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination (ORSE). In November, Phoenix received the highest possible Tactical Effectiveness Factor during a Tactical Readiness Evaluation (TRE). During the better part of 1985 and early 1986, Phoenix conducted four highly successful ASW missions in the Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, for which the crew was subsequently awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Phoenix also participated in a major NATO exercise, completed an ORSE, and received a grade of "Excellent" during a Supply Management Inspection (SMI). Phoenix was awarded the Submarine Squadron Eight Communications "Green C" for her outstanding communications performance during 1985. During 1986, Phoenixs success continued as she and her crew exhibited extreme professionalism and operational proficiency while participating in a major Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) and PCO Operations. After a superb performance on an ORSE, the ship was designated a "Top Performer" for her accomplishments during a TRE. The year came to a close with the Supply Department receiving