THE USS WASHINGTON: A NAVY SUBMARINE'S JOURNEY TO THE TOP UNIT AWARD


By akirschbaum
The aircraft carrier USS Washington (CVN 73) transits the Atlantic Ocean.

A submarine has many benefits to a country, as it can help the nation in various ways, such as for strategic defense, power projection, economic protection, technological advancements, and more. As of 2024, the U.S. Navy operates 69 submarines: attack, ballistic missile, and guided missile submarines. Recently, the USS Washington was awarded a prestigious unit recognition. This is due to its successful work securing critical intelligence while deployed to the European theater for six months.

The attack submarine, conventionally armed at 7,900 tons, was given the Presidential Unit Citation for "exceptional performance in action while conducting operations within the U.S. Sixth Fleet."

Honoring the USS Washington Submarine

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, also known as the "Blackfish," is now the talk of the town due to the citation it received. However, it is good to know that these recognitions can be given to any U.S. military unit that has characterized itself through eminent heroism and performance in action against the forces of the enemy.

The Navy's submarine service has a lengthy history of getting honored for confidential and secret activities, but it was only made known to the public in the last several decades.

The Presidential Unit Citation it received is considered the highest award in the Pentagon, and it is given to any U.S. military unit that has proved itself to be worthy by providing outstanding action.

The Secret Mission of the Blackfish

The Navy gave hints in a statement regarding the significance of the intelligence operation, but they did not share more information about its objectives. Commander of Submarine Forces, Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, mentioned that the crew had faced a risky environment in accepting such missions. However, the important thing is that the USS Washington and its crew obtained unique intelligence and sensitive information throughout three unusually extended missions and 37,000 nautical miles of transit time.

The submarine even set a new record for staying only days on station for any East Coast sub-deployment. This is credited to the efforts of careful husbanding of stores and efforts from the crew who remained on their tasks for long periods without readily available support. Senior Chief Machinist's Mate Austin Gilbert even added that the sub's crew had spent dedicated hours on certification, maintenance, and training.

The submarine exited the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, in May 2023 and returned in mid-December 2023. Its operations in Europe show that its coverage area is extensive. According to the U.S. Navy notes, it made stops in Grotsund, Norway and Faslane, Scotland.

Aside from the USS Washington being given recognition, its crew was also awarded the Arctic Service Medal due to the Blackfish's excellent service and commitment during operations in the strategic Arctic region. In a statement, it mentioned that the sub had to loiter for long periods in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. Its crew was praised due to their unmatched discipline, material management, and planning.

The Predecessor of the USS Washington

Before this famous submarine was known to the public, the USS Jimmy Carter received similar awards and recognition more than a decade ago. The Carter was well-known in Navy circles due to its aura of secrecy in terms of its missions and its actual capabilities.

In 2013, its crew and the Carter were given the presidential citation for operating the "Mission 7." The citation reads the ship "performed under a wide range of adverse and intensely stressful conditions without external support; this deployment continued USS Jimmy Carter's tradition of excellence in pursuit of vital national security goals."

What Was the Mission Really About?

It is not a secret that the U.S. military had sent warnings in terms of the growing USSR military nuclear-powered subs' presence on the coasts of the country. Since then, they have been tagged as threats since their subs carry a substantial amount of cruise missiles to threaten the U.S. territories.

Plus, their increased activity in the parts of the Arctic Ocean and the northern Atlantic Ocean was tagged as a "stark reminder" that it can be a threat to the U.S. But, with the growing power of the United States and its secret intelligence data that they have, it seems that they will always have the upper hand.

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