Historical Note

USS Key West (SSN-722) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine built at the Newport News Shipbuilding yard. Her keel was laid in July 1983, she was launched in July 1985, and commissioned in September 1987.

The submarine served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, participating in operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf. In October 2001, she launched Tomahawk missiles against targets in Afghanistan. USS Key West was decommissioned in September 2023.

USS Key West (Rank VII)

Brief Analysis

• Strengths: Six BGM-109 Tomahawk missiles in vertical launch tubes, excellent submerged maneuverability, and four 533 mm torpedo tubes loaded with Mk48 torpedoes.
• Weaknesses: Modest survivability, low surface speed, and long missile lock-on time.
• Role in battle: The first missile submarine in the game, boasting a record salvo – ideal for surprise long-range strikes against surface targets.

In battle

The USS Key West's defining feature is its six BGM-109 Tomahawk missiles – housed in vertical launch tubes rather than torpedo tubes, unlike most competitors. The Tomahawks offer long range and considerable hitting power, and a full salvo of six makes a compelling argument against any surface ship. Her torpedo armament is equally potent: four 533 mm tubes, ideal for close-quarters combat and hunting other submarines.

Submerged, the USS Key West is notably swift – far from a slow giant, she is an agile hunter capable of rapid repositioning and evading counterattacks. Endurance is also greater than that of diesel-electric boats. This capability comes at a cost, however: her survivability is lower than some counterparts, and a single well-aimed hit can prove fatal. Surface speed is poor – lower even than many vessels at this rank. Most critically, missile lock-on time stands at 5 seconds, compared to 4 seconds for most rivals. A difference of one second may seem minor, but in a fast-paced engagement it can be decisive.

Tactics for the USS Key West revolve around her primary weapon. Take up position at medium range, maintain periscope depth, and strike the most dangerous surface targets. Immediately after firing, dive and reposition – enemy forces will be searching for you.

Torpedoes are best reserved for finishing off damaged targets and engaging other submarines. Do not rely on them as a primary weapon. Bear the lock-on time in mind: begin acquiring your target early, and only when your own safety is assured.

In skilled hands, the USS Key West is a formidable underwater predator capable of turning the tide of battle with a single devastating salvo. Stay composed, avoid unnecessary risks, and always seek opportunities to strike where the tactical situation demands it. Good luck in battle!

Premium version of the USS Key West (Rank VII)

In the Ship Campaign, only one ship can be taken into battle. Because of this, the Premium version of any ship is not a separate unit, but it completely replaces the standard “gray” version. After obtaining the premium version, the blueprints for the standard version of the ship will disappear from the store and trophies, and the ship itself will become unavailable in trophies and jackpots.

Differences between the Premium and Standard versions:

• The ability to get gold after a battle, according to the daily limit;
• Unique premium camouflage;
• Fully unlocked upgrades in the Arsenal;
• The ship gets the maximum crew level immediately.

* Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may change upon release.

The USS Key West (Rank VII) will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the “Final Frontier”’ seasonal update.