The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, on 31 October 1973, and her keel was laid down on 30 July 1977.

During the cruise, Phoenix made a port visit to HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, in July 1983, then transited the Panama Canal eastward en route to Norfolk to complete her record-setting 203-day, 65,000-mile (105,000 km) circumnavigation of the globe.

In the beginning of 1984, Phoenix conducted a major upkeep period followed by her being the first Los Angeles-class submarine to complete a Consolidated Anti-Submarine Readiness Test (CART).

During the better part of 1985 and early 1986, Phoenix conducted four highly successful ASW missions in the Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, for which the crew was subsequently awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Phoenix also participated in a major NATO exercise, completed an ORSE, and received a grade of "Excellent" during a Supply Management Inspection (SMI).

In 1989, Phoenix spent the majority of her time in Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a Depot Modernization Period (DMP) during which substantial portions of the fire control and sonar Systems were upgraded and the propulsion plant was significantly enhanced.

Following POM Certification, Phoenix departed for the Mediterranean Sea where she conducted numerous independent operations and was presented with the prestigious Commander Sixth Fleet "Hook 'Em" award for ASW excellence.

Demonstrating the many roles of the fast attack submarine, she became the first SSN to deploy as an integral part of a Carrier Battle Group and conducted numerous exercises with USS Forrestal.

The next POM workup began in July when the crew's attention turned to fine tuning tactical skills in preparation for an upcoming Northern Atlantic Ocean deployment.

Ex-Phoenix entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program in Bremerton, Washington, and was scheduled to begin disassembly on 1 March 2007.