USS West Virginia SSBN-736 Submarine Model (Black Hull). Embark on a journey with the crew of theUSS West Virginia SSBN-736 with this beautifully handcrafted wooden submarine model. Each intricate detail is expertly carved from premium mahogany and handpainted to perfection, measuring 20 inches in length. Show your support for a US Navy veteran owned business with this unique and collectible piece of naval history. Length – 20 inches. US Veteran Owned Business. The product is not intended to be used by children 12 years and younger. USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) Montani Semper Liberi “Silent Mountioneer”. HISTORY USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) is a United States Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine which has been in commission since 1990. She is the third U. The contract to build West Virginia was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, on 21 November 1983 and her keel was laid down there on 24 December 1987. [1] She was launched on 14 October 1989, sponsored by Mrs. Erma Byrd, wife of United States Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, and commissioned on 20 October 1990, with Captain J. Harvey in command of the Blue Crew and Captain Donald McDermott in command of the Gold Crew.