Submarine Questions of the Week: 29 SEP 2015

The answer to one of this week's submarine questions will likely be unknown for an unknown period of time (up to thirty years, or longer in a few cases, according to published submarine history).

Background [translated from French language] 

An American nuclear attack submarine (SNA) made a stop at the naval base of Toulon from 22 to 26 September. This is the Providence SSN-716, based on the east coast of the United States. Presumably for security reasons, [there has been no enlightenment from the crew]. The maritime prefecture of Toulon terms the stopover "routine". "Un stop and go", Le mamouth, mardi 29 septembre 2015

Questions of the Week

1- Is the U.S. submarine identification correct? 

2- Is the sub's given homeport coast correct?

3- When else was the sub USS Providence in Toulon?

4- On what mission was USS Providence at the time of its earlier visit?

5- With what special type of missiles was USS Providence armed during its earlier visit?

6- The purpose of the special missiles is what?

7- Why would USS Providence return to the French port of Toulon? 

ANSWERS:  Questions 1-6  --- Monday, 5 OCT 2015; Question 7 --- Unknown

Submarines are always silent and strange.