The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 30 June 1988 and her keel was laid down on 22 February 1992.

[3] On 25 October 2003 Hartford ran aground near La Maddalena in Sardinia with such force that rudders, sonar and other electronic equipment were severely damaged.

[4] On 20 March 2009 Hartford collided with amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD-18) in the Strait of Hormuz, slightly injuring 15 sailors on board.

[5] Hartford was escorted back to homeport by destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58).

[citation needed] The Navy announced on 14 April 2009 that the submarine's skipper, Commander Ryan Brookhart, had been relieved of duty by Rear Admiral Michael J. Connor because of a loss of confidence in Brookhart's ability to command.