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End of Journey for USS San Juan: The Story of the Nuclear Submarine Named After San Juan

Published Aug 4, 2026, 4:00 AM ASTvia El Vocero

Why this matters: The retirement of the USS San Juan, named after Puerto Rico’s capital, marks the end of an era for a submarine with a significant connection to the island.

The USS San Juan (SSN 751), a nuclear submarine named in honor of Puerto Rico’s capital, will be retired after 38 years of operations. The submarine’s service spanned from the end of the Cold War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The USS San Juan was named after San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, and has completed its operational journey.

In context (787daily, from public data)

  • San Juan

    336,160Census estimate, 2020–20241521Founded47.9 sq mi (124 km²)Area
SourceEl Vocero

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