US Navy Retires Storied USS Boise

The 30-year-old Los Angeles-class submarine played a key role in the Iraq War.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, painterly image of a submarine silhouetted against a warm, golden sunset sky, with deep shadows cast across the water, conceptually representing the retirement of a veteran naval vessel.The decommissioning of the USS Boise, a veteran of the Iraq War, signals the end of an era for the US Navy's submarine fleet.Boise Today

The USS Boise, a Los Angeles-class submarine commissioned in 1992, is being decommissioned this week after over three decades of service. The vessel was known for firing missiles during the opening days of the 2003 invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Why it matters

The retirement of the USS Boise marks the end of an era for the US Navy, as the Los Angeles-class submarines that served as the backbone of the submarine fleet for decades are gradually being phased out in favor of newer, more advanced designs.

The details

The USS Boise was commissioned in 1992 and went on to have a distinguished career, including playing a key role in the opening days of the Iraq War in 2003 when it fired missiles as part of the US-led invasion. The submarine is now being decommissioned and will be removed from active service.

  • The USS Boise was commissioned in 1992.
  • The submarine fired missiles during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
  • The USS Boise is being decommissioned this week.

The players

USS Boise

A Los Angeles-class submarine that was commissioned in 1992 and served for over 30 years, including during the Iraq War.

US Navy

The naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces, responsible for the decommissioning of the USS Boise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The USS Boise will be removed from active service and its crew will be reassigned to other naval vessels.

The takeaway

The retirement of the USS Boise marks the end of an era for the US Navy's submarine fleet, as the older Los Angeles-class vessels are gradually being replaced by newer, more advanced designs. This transition reflects the ongoing evolution of naval warfare and the need to maintain a modern, capable submarine force.