The contract to build Alaska was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, on 27 February 1978 and her keel was laid down there on 9 March 1983.

She operated initially from New London, Connecticut, and Port Canaveral, Florida, but shifted homeport to the Pacific Northwest later in the year, 4 September to 1 October 1986.

The work included a Trident II D5 "backfit" that enabled Alaska to fire the improved version of the submarine launched ballistic missile.

On 28 April 2010, the Navy announced plans to convert living spaces on Alaska to accommodate female crewmembers.

The Omaha Trophy reflects the ability of an SSBN to execute its primary mission, emphasizing strategic deterrence and its evolving role in global operations.