I knew SSB meant single side band, but I had no clue about frequencies or bands. I think I was using my spiral notebook for a pillow during this class.

I am not surprised SSB is dead. Between cell phones and a VHF, I was rarely out of range of the office a decade ago. With Satcom's and cell phones, there are cheap and relatively secure communications for long and short range. It's no surprise SSB is squeezed out. I knew of only two being used a decade ago; one tug running offshore had one with which it talked to the dispatcher.