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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive


Contributed by Mike Smolinski

Permit (SSN-594)
Keel Laying - Commissioning

Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Victor - Echo

To Additional Pages

Active Service - Decommissioning


Thresher Class Attack Submarine: Laid down, 16 July 1959, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA.; Launched, 1 July 1961; Commissioned, USS Permit (SSN-594), 29 May 1962; Decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register, 12 June 1991; Laid up at Bremerton Naval Shipyard; Final Disposition, entered the NPSSRP (Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA., 30 September 1991 and completed 20 May 1993.

Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 3,540 t., Submerged: 4,200 t.; Length 278' 5"; Beam 31' 8"; ; Speed, Surfaced 15 kts, Submerged 28+ kts; Operating Depth 400'; Complement, 143; Sensors, Raytheon BQS-6A or -6B active/passive systems BQQ-1 and the Edo BQR-7 passive, conformal array, TB-26 Towed Sonar Array; Armament, four 21" torpedo tubes, forward, MK 48 torpedoes, UUM-44A SUBROC, UGM-84A/C Harpoon, MK 57 deep water mines, Mk 60 CAPTOR mines; Propulsion System, one S5W nuclear reactor, two Westinghouse steam turbines, one propeller 15,000 shp.
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Sargo132kSargo (SSN-583) is seen departing Mare Island on 3 August 1958 for trials.
The object in the left hand corner is a temporary building and the hull sections that line the dockyard are either for Theodore Roosevelt (SSGN-600) or Permit (SSN-594).
US Navy photo # NY9 40452-8-58, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Thresher50kPlatform plan of Thresher (SSN-593) class submarines. PDF courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Permit204kHull section 2 of the Permit (SSN-594) is shown under construction at Mare Island on 19 January 1959. The hull section was under construction at berth 15 at the North end of the shipyard.U.S. Navy photo # NY9 42819-1-59, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit271kFirst section on the Permit (SSN-594) is placed on the building ways at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 25 Jun 1959. This in bulkhead 52. U.S. Navy photo # NY9 45039-6-59, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit38k Close-up of Permit (SSN-594) insignia taken on 7/16/59. U.S. Navy photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit97k RADM L. V. Honsinger, USN, Shipyard Commander, authenticates the keel of the Permit (SSN-594) at Mare Island on 16 Jul 59. U.S. Navy photo # NY9-45325-7-59, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit258k The volunteer civilian band is shown in the foreground during the keel laying ceremony on the Permit (SSN-594) on 16 July 1959 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.U.S. Navy photo # NY9-45322-7-59, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit77k RADM Leroy V. Hunsinger, USN, Shipyard Commander, speaks at the keel laying of the Permit (SSN-594) on 16 Jul 59 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. The Permit was Mare Island's 5th nuclear submarine.U.S. Navy photo # NY9-45323-7-59,contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit96k VIPs at the keel laying of Permit (SSN-594) at Mare Island on 16 Jul 59. From left to right: CDR E. E. Kintner, USN, Nuclear Power Supt, and honorary keel layers Henry A. McKenna, Master Machinist; Florie A. Braghetta, Head of Laboratory Branch; and Walter R. Suess, Head of Reproduction Center. U.S. Navy photo # NY9-45328-7-59,contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit986kFull size mockup of the machinery spaces looking forward of the Permit (SSN-594) at Mare Island on 17 July 1959. U.S. Navy Photo # 45280-7-59, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit986kFull size mockup of the machinery spaces looking aft of the Permit (SSN-594) at Mare Island on 17 July 1959. U.S. Navy Photo # 45285-7-59, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Submarine Silhouettes 1960179kSubmarine Silhouettes of 1960:
Nautilus (SSN-571), Seawolf (SSN-575), Skate (SSN-578), Skipjack (SS-585), Triton (SSRN-586), Halibut (SSGN-587), Thresher (SSN-593), Tullibee (SSN-597), George Washington (SSBN-598), & Ethan Allen (SSBN-608) classes.
U.S. Navy Photograph submitted by Ron Titus, courtesy of Ingersoll-Rand. Corp.
Nuclear Submarine Profiles187kNuclear Submarine Profiles 1960:
Nautilus (SSN-571),
Seawolf (SSN-575),
Triton (SSRN-586),
Skate (SSN-578) & Skipjack (SS-585) classes,
Halibut (SSGN-587) & Tullibee (SSN-597) classes,
George Washington (SSBN-598) &
Thresher (SSN-593) classes.
US Navy photo courtesy of Ron Titus courtesy of Ingersoll-Rand. Corp. Photo i.d. courtesy of Dave Johnston.
Permit240kSection number for Permit (SSN-594) is shown being prefabricated in Mare Island's shipfitter shop on 25 January 60.U.S. Navy photo # NY9 46866-1-60,contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit182kPermit (SSN-594), Hull section 3 (Aft section of submarine) is show being placed on the building ways at Mare Island on 18 Feb 60.U.S. Navy photo # NY9 47152-2-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit406kHull section of the Permit (SSN-594) being placed on the ways by YD-33 at Mare Island on 29 March 1960.U.S. Navy photo # 47551-3-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit406kStern of Permit (SSN-594) on its way to the building ways at Mare Island on 1 April 1960.U.S. Navy photo # 48065-6-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit1.1mProgress view of the Permit (SSN-594) on the building ways at Mare Island on 6 April 60. View is looking aft.U.S. Navy photo # NY9 47620-4-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit198kStern hull section of Permit (SSN-594) being transported from structural shop to the building ways at Mare Island on 23 June 1960.U.S. Navy photo # 48065-6-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit420kBow view of Permit (SSN-594) on the ways at Mare Island on 6 July 1960. U.S. Navy photo # 48262-7-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit462kStern view of Permit (SSN-594) on the ways at Mare Island on 6 July 1960. U.S. Navy photo # 48263-7-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit620kBow compartment of Permit (SSN-594) being landed on the building ways at Mare Island on 20 July 1960. U.S. Navy photo # 48357-7-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit388kBow view of Permit (SSN-594) on the ways at Mare Island on 4 Oct 1960.U.S. Navy photo # 49122-10-60, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit225k Photo of the installation of engine room patch of Permit (SSN-594), at Mare Island on 26 January 1961.U.S. Navy photo # 50216-1-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit191k The BQQ-1 sonar sphere is being ready for installation on the Permit (SSN-594) at Mare Island on 19 March 1961. U.S. Navy photo # 50731-3-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit544k Permit (SSN-594) sonar sphere being lifted off the dual trailers at Ways One South at Mare Island on 19 March 1961. U.S. Navy Photo # 50735-3-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit456k Permit (SSN-594) bow is ready for installation of sonar sphere at Mare Island on 19 March 1961. U.S. Navy Photo # 50737-3-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit206k Permit (SSN-594) sonar sphere being lifted off the dual trailers at Ways One South at Mare Island on 19 March 1961 with the submarine in the background. U.S. Navy Photo # 50738-3-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit394k Permit (SSN-594) sonar sphere being fitted aboard at Mare Island on 19 March 1961. U.S. Navy Photo # 50739-3-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit341k Permit (SSN-594) sonar sphere being fitted aboard at Mare Island on 19 March 1961. U.S. Navy Photo # 50740-3-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit290k Bow view of Permit (SSN-594) on the ways at Mare Island on 4 April 1961.U.S. Navy photo # 50829-4-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit314kStern view of Permit (SSN-594) on the ways at Mare Island on 4 April 1961. U.S. Navy photo # 50830-4-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit392k Fairwater of Permit (SSN-594) is landed on board at Mare Island on 2 May 1961.U.S. Navy photo # 51146-5-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit717kCapt. Karl R. Wheland (Commander Submarine Group San Francisco Bay Area) presents LT Hugh A Benton, prospective engineering officer of Permit (SSN-594), a Navy Unit Commendation award earned while LT Benton was servicing in Skipjack (SS-585) at Mare Island on 24 June 1961.A Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, MINSY #51750-6-61, submitted by Darryl L. Baker.
Photo added 05/10/13.
Permit435kPermit's (SSN-594) launch cradle in the bottom of Mare Island's dry dock # 3 in July 1961. U.S. Navy Photo # 50740-3-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit44kPermit (SSN-594), launching invitation ceremony, 1 July 1961. Courtesy of Dave Stoops EM2(SS) Permit (SSN-594) and webmaster of the Permit (SSN-594) homepage.
Permit270kFront cover of Permit's (SSN-594) launching program on 1 July 1961 at Mare Island. Photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Permit850kPermit's (SSN-594) launching program on 1 July 1961 at Mare Island. Photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Permit245kBack cover of Permit's (SSN-594) launching program on 1 July 1961 at Mare Island. Photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Permit373kMrs. John A. McCone christens the Permit (SSN-594) on 1 July 1961 at Mare Island. Photo # NY9-51975-7-61, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Permit145kA carving of the Permit (Fish) is presented to the Commanding Officer of Permit (SSN-594) prior to her launching at Mare Island on 1 July 61. The carving was done by Chief Torpedoman R. L. Seay and he has resented a commendation medal from Asst. SECNAV K. E. Belieu. Left to right: RADM L. V. Honsinger (Shipyard Commandant), CDR E. R. Barrett (Commanding Officer), LT A. S. Cabot, Chief R. L. Seay and Asst. SECNAV K. E. Belieu.U.S. Navy photo # 51907-7-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit714kRADM Hyman G. Rickover at the launching of the Permit (SSN-594) at Mare Island on 1 July 1961. U.S. Navy photo # 51978-7-61, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit125k Commemorative postal cover marking the Permit's (SSN-594) launching, 1 July 1961. Courtesy of Dave Stoops EM2(SS) Permit (SSN-594) and webmaster of the Permit (SSN-594) homepage.
Permit685kPermit (SSN-594) waterborne for the first time on 1 July 1961 at Mare Island. Photo # NY9-51928-7-61 courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Permit466kPermit (SSN-594), launching, bow view, waterborne at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, 1 July 1961.Navy Photo # NY9-51981-7-61 courtesy of Dave Stoops EM2(SS) Permit (SSN-594) and webmaster of the Permit (SSN-594) homepage.
Permit2.25kThe Permit (SSN-594) is waterborne on 1 July 1961.Photo # NY9-51931-7-61 scanned by Ryan Crierie, via flickr, courtesy of Stephen Gower.
Permit241k Forward plan view of Permit (SSN-594) at her outfitting berth at Mare Island on 15 January 1962. The Plunger (SSN-595) is aft of Permit.U.S. Navy photo # 53561-1-62, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit222k Aft plan view of Permit (SSN-594) at her outfitting berth at Mare Island on 15 January 1962. U.S. Navy photo # 53562-1-62, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit2.50kPDF file of Permit's (SSN-594) commissioning program. PDF courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Permit1.10kView of the commissioning ceremonies of the Permit (SSN-594) in dry dock 3 at Mare Island on 29 May, 1962.USN photo # 55162-5-62, courtesy of the Valllejo Naval and Historical Museum. Photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Permit90k Permit (SSN-594), first day commemorative post card, 29 May, 1962. Courtesy of Dave Stoops EM2(SS) Permit (SSN-594) and webmaster of the Permit (SSN-594) homepage.
Permit283kPermit (SSN-594), sea trials at flank speed at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, 1 June 1962.Navy Photo # NY9-55179-6-62, courtesy of Dave Stoops EM2(SS) Permit (SSN-594) and webmaster of the Permit (SSN-594) homepage.
Permit98kClipping from the 8 June 1962 edition of Mare Island's newspaper the "Grapevine" showing the flag raising aboard Permit (SSN-594) during her commissioning ceremonies.USN photo # 55162-5-62, courtesy of the Valllejo Naval and Historical Museum. Photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.

View the Permit (SSN-594)
DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site.
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association

Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
FAS - SSN-594 Permit Class
Permit SSN 594

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