Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Friend Gail Diamond
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all
who have serviced and are serving.
Because of each of you we can enjoy
our yearly traditional dinner, giving
thanks for our families and food
to share.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Navy Commemorates 50th Anniversary Of First SSBN Deterrent Patrol By Lt. Ed Early, Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs, Nov 17, 2010 BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- When the ballistic missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 598) departed Charleston, S.C., 50 years ago, it marked the beginning of a new era in strategic deterrence. On Nov. 15, 1960, the USS George Washington (SSBN 598) began the U.S. Navy's first SSBN deterrent patrol. As the Navy commemorates the golden anniversary of the George Washington's historic deployment, the ballistic missile submarine remains a key component of our nation's strategic deterrent. On Nov. 15, 1960, the "Georgefish" – a converted attack submarine – began the U.S. Navy's first SSBN deterrent patrol. With her stealth capability and the 16 Polaris missiles she carried, the George Washington provided the United States with a forward presence unprecedented in naval history. As the Navy celebrates the golden anniversary of the George Washington's historic deployment, the ballistic missile submarine remains a key component of our nation's strategic deterrent. Today, the Navy employs 14 Ohio-class Trident SSBNs in its deterrent force – eight at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Wash., and six at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. "USS George Washington revolutionized the way we conduct both submarine warfare and strategic deterrence," said Rear Adm. Bob Hennegan, Commander, Submarine Group 9. "The legacy of that first patrol is the strong, capable deterrent force you see in today's Navy." Commissioned on Dec. 30, 1959, the George Washington was originally laid down in 1957 as the Skipjack-class attack submarine Scorpion (SSN 589). However, the decision was made to add a 130-foot section behind the sail that would carry 16 Polaris A1 missiles, resulting in the world's first ballistic missile submarine. Following her commissioning, George Washington would successfully carry out the first submerged Polaris launch on July 20, 1960 at the Atlantic Missile Test Range, launching two missiles. Later that year, she left her homeport of Groton, Conn., for Charleston to load her full complement of Polaris missiles. Cmdr. James Osborn Jr. and his Blue Crew took George Washington out of Charleston on Nov. 15 to begin her historic first patrol, which concluded Jan. 21, 1961 at New London, Conn., after 66 days submerged. George Washington's Gold Crew followed with its first patrol from February-April 1961. George Washington was the first of the "41 For Freedom" – the Navy's first 41 ballistic missile submarines. Together, they paved the way for future Polaris, Poseidon and Trident submarines that continue to maintain the nation's strategic deterrent today. Kirk Smith

Monday, November 15, 2010

Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Submitted by: T. Michael Bircumshaw on 11/4/2010--Shipmates,It is my pleasure to inform you that John Carcioppolo, Groton Base Commander, is being inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.John has worked long and hard promoting USSVI, the Groton Base and Veterans in general. Congratulations are in order. The ceremony will be held at the CT Legislative Office Building in Hartford at Monday 22 November 2010 at 5:00 PM.Governor Jodi Rell will do the honors with CT Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Dr Linda Schwartz. Best,MichaelT Michael Bircumshaw - National Commander 2010-2012

Thursday, November 11, 2010

VETERANS DAY - May God bless all the men and women who have served and are serving today to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.
Veterans Day 11-11-09
Mountain Home. AR
(C) Photos by Mary Nida Smith

Tuesday, November 2, 2010