The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, on 30 November 1982 and her keel was laid down on 20 December 1985.

From June 1996 to September 1996, Pasadena underwent a Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) where she was outfitted with improved offensive and defensive weapon systems.

Following successful completion of her Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Pasadena returned to the fleet on 31 October 2021.

Naval Station), Cartagena, Colombia, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica Pasadena's insignia is surrounded by a mooring line border with blue background, emphasizing the nautical character of the seal.

The motto, in addition to enhancing the central combative caricature, states in clear terms the readiness of today's force to fight anywhere in the world on short notice in the national interest.

Coincidentally, during the sub's construction at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, CT, the crew adopted a North American Snapping Turtle as a mascot.

By the time construction was over, the turtle, named Frumpy, which originally fit into the palm of a hand, was over 18 inches long, forcing the crew to find a new home.