USS Lewis and Clark SSBN-644 Submarine Model (Black Hull). Dive the USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN-644) in this hand crafted 20 inch submarine. Each model is carefully carved from wood and hand painted to provide a piece you’ll love. Length – 20 inches. US Veteran Owned Business. The product is not intended to be used by children 12 years and younger. The contract to construct Lewis and Clark was awarded on 1 November 1962, and her keel was laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company at Newport News, Virginia, on 29 July 1963. She was launched on 21 November 1964, sponsored by Mrs. Sale, and commissioned on 22 December 1965 with Commander John F. In command of the Blue Crew and Commander Kenneth A. Porter in command of the Gold Crew. Deactivated while still in commission on 1 October 1991, Lewis and Clark was decommissioned on 27 June 1992 and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 August 1992. Her scrapping via the U.