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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive
Patch on left & center contributed by Mike Smolinski, Decal on right by unlimiteddetails.com
Radio Call Sign: November - Delta - Echo - Uniform

Pargo (SSN-650)

Sturgeon Class Attack Submarine: Laid down, 3 June 1964, at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corp., Groton, CT.: Launched, 17 September 1966; Commissioned, USS Pargo (SSN-650), 5 January 1968; Decommissioned and simultaneously struck from the Naval Register, 14 April 1995; Final Disposition, disposed of through the NPSSRP (Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA., 15 October 1996.

Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 3,640 t., Submerged: 4,640 t.; Length 292' 3"; Beam 31' 8"; Draft 28' 8"; Speed, Surfaced 15 kts, Submerged 25 kts; Depth limit 1,300'; Complement 108; Armament, four 21" torpedo tubes amidships aft of bow, MK 48 Torpedoes, UUM-44A SUBROC, UGM-84A/C Harpoon, MK 57 deep water mines, MK 60 CAPTOR mines; Combat Sensors, Radar, BPS-14/15 surface search, Sonars, BQQ-5 multi-function bow mounted, BQR-7 passive in submarines with BQQ-2, BQS-12 active 7, TB-16 or TB-23 towed array, EW Systems, WLQ-4(V), WLR-4(V), WLR-9 ; Propulsion System, one S5W nuclear reactor, two steam turbines, one propeller, 15,000 shp.
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Pargo 281k A Pargo, named for Horlopargus Guntheri, an aggressive and voracious member of the Snapper Family.
This plaque was presented to the Pargo's (SS-264) sponsor, Miss Belle W. Baruch, eldest daughter of the Financier Bernard Mannes Baruch, on the occasion of the boat's launching on 24 January 1943. 		Partial text courtesy of usspargo.net. & time.com.
Electric Boat photo courtesy of George K.Chastain, Executive Director of The Belle W. Baruch Foundation.
Pargo214kPresident Lyndon B. Johnson authenticates the keel of the Pargo (SSN-650) at Electric Boat. Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
Pargo293kThe Pargo (SSN-650) is launched 17 September 1966; sponsored by Mrs. James L. Holloway, Jr. Insert USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
Pargo293kThe Pargo (SSN-650) is launched, 17 September 1966. Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
Pargo255kNineteen page Welcome Aboard the Pargo (SSN-650) PDF.USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Pargo57kIn 1952, Steven Angelo White graduated from USC and got a commission to Ensign in the United States Navy. White served on the Manchester (CL-83) in the Korean War. A year and a half later, White was moved to Submarine School and became a Lieutenant (J.G.) shortly afterward. Post-graduation, he was the Engineering Officer on the Tang (SS-563) for two years. He underwent Nuclear Power Training, and, after its completion, went aboard the Nautilus (SSN-571), the first nuclear-powered submarine. He was part of the Nautilus's crew when it reached the North Pole; it was the first ship to ever do so. Due to this remarkable achievement, White, his fellow crew, and the ship were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. This was the first time the award was given during peace time. In 1960, White was assigned to the Ethan Allen (SSBN-608). There, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. He was aboard the ship when it conducted the Christmas Island Test, the first and only fully operational test of a submarine launching a strategic missile with a warhead. From 1964-1966, White was the Force Nuclear Power Training Officer, at first for Deputy Commander Submarine Force, but later for Commander Submarine Force for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In 1966, White became a Commander and led the nuclear submarine Pargo (SSN-650) five months later. While in that position, the ship received two awards - Meritorious Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.USN photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
Pargo121kPargo (SSN-650) probably during her shakedown cruise, circa 1967. USN photo.
Pargo126kPort quarter view of Pargo (SSN-650), probably during her shakedown cruise, circa 1967. Official USN photo courtesy of Wendell Royce McLaughlin Jr.
Sturgeon Class43k Oil on canvas painting by the artist Jim Christley entitled "Trailing".
During the Cold War the US Naval Submarine Force was tasked with keeping tabs on Soviet Naval movements in particular, the Soviet Submarine Force. Submarines of the Sturgeon Class were well suited to this task and often trailed Soviet submarines for days reporting on their movements and recording noise signatures. In this image, such a trailing has turned into a close aboard encounter as a Soviet Viktor III Class has turned to port to check his baffles (to listen to see if anyone is immediately astern). A trailing Sturgeon has stopped his screw and gone quiet. Extending far behind the US submarine is its towed array sonar which assists in giving a clear picture of the ocean's acoustics. 		Photo & text courtesy of subart.net.
Submerged submarines145kSubmerged submarines in tandem.USN photo courtesy of Robert Hall.
Pargo178kCrewmen aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650) carefully receive a Mk 48 Mod 1 torpedo into the torpedo room.USN photo courtesy of Robert Hurst.
Pargo886k5 Photo PDF of Torpedo loading and handling aboard the Pargo (SSN-650) at Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, September 1968. National Archives Identifier: 7488355
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
Pargo144kPargo (SSN-650) sails the sEas. USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
Pargo302kPargo (SSN-650) in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Andros Island at sunrise, circa 1969-73.Photo courtesy of Reed Clarke MM-2 (ELT).
Text courtesy of David A. Van Oosteryk MM1(SS).
Pargo120kPargo (SSN-650) after an emergency blow from test depth, circa 1969-73.Photo courtesy of Reed Clarke MM-2 (ELT).
Text courtesy of David A. Van Oosteryk MM1(SS).
Pargo625kPargo (SSN-650) wearing one of her four 'E's between 1970-71. She would also receive them in 1980 & 1990. Courtesy of Charles W. Hitz. <
Pargo50kCommemorative post marking the 650th dive of the Pargo (SSN-650), 29 March 1978. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Pargo290kCrewmen aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650) make ready to tie the boat up at Zeebrugge, Belgium on 15 October 1983. Photo courtesy of G.Gyssels.
Pargo441k CDR David W. Hearding, commanding officer of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650), looks through the submarine's periscope while underway north of the Arctic Circle, April 1991. Official USN photo # DN-SC-92-04520, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Pargo492k Crew members monitor equipment in the control room aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650), 6 April 1991. Official USN photo # DN-SC-92-04538, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Pargo837kStanding in front of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650) on the ice north of the Arctic Circle are, from left: CAPT Charles E. Armitage, RADM Millard S. Firebaugh, CAPT Dorothy A. Prose, VADM Henry G. Chiles Jr., Mr. Wade Heck, Mr. Robert Schafer, unknown, Hon. Daniel Howard, CMDR David W. Hearding, Hon. Robert McCormack, Mr. Arnold Punaro and VADM Roger F. Bacon., on 6 April 1991. Official USN photo # DN-SC-92-04543, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Pargo96kA mess management specialist aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650) prepares to remove a pan of meat from the oven. The Pargo is underway north of the Arctic Circle.Official USN photo # DN-SC-92-04525, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Lapon107k ICEX-91 and Pargo's (SSN-650) Bela I. Marton, in April 1991.Photo courtesy of Bela I. Marton, MSEE, PE(I).
Lapon894k ICEX-91 and Pargo (SSN-650) in April 1991.Photo courtesy of Bela I. Marton, MSEE, PE(I).
Pargo171k The crew of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650) eats dinner. The Pargo is underway north of the Arctic Circle, 6 April 1991.Official USN photo # DN-SC-92-04528, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Pargo234kPoetry in Prose: A chief petty officer gives some instructions to CAPT Dorothy A. Prose, executive assistant to the undersecretary of the Navy, as she tries her hand at steering the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650), 6 April 1991. Official USN photo # DN-SC-92-04540, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Pargo327kCrew members gather near the sail of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650) shortly after the vessel surfaced through the ice, 6 April 1991. Official USN photo # DN-ST-92-00860, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Pargo158k Crewmen and a group of official visitors stand on the ice atop the hull of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Pargo (SSN-650) north of the Arctic Circle on 6 April 1991. Official USN photo # DN-SC-92-04581, by JO2 Oscar Sosa, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Pargo319kThe Pargo (SSN-650), CDR David Hearding (Jeffrey Gossett and Barry Campbell) and HMS Tireless (S-88), CDR Timothy P. McClement (Alan Hayashida) conducted joint operations in the Arctic for ICEX-91. Text i.d. courtesy of csp.navy.mil.
USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Pargo57kPargo (SSN-650) and a Canadian Huey at Ice Camp Fogg, May 1991.USN photo.
Pargo53kPostal cover of the Pargo's (SSN-650) visit to the North Pole, 12 September 1993. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Pargo20kCommemorative post marking the Pargo's (SSN-650) return to homeport following her visit to the North Pole, 19 November 1993.Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Pargo34kPargo (SSN-650) surfaced above the Arctic Circle, possibly 1993.US Navy Arctic Submarine Laboratory.
Pargo126kPargo (SSN-650) in 1/192 scale cast solid resin. Model and photo by Ken Hart.
Pargo563kPargo (SSN-650) Inactivation program listing the former and current CO's of the boat. Courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Spent Fuel569kSealed reactor compartments are shipped by barge out of Puget Sound Naval Base down the coast and along the Columbia River to the port of Benton. There the radioactively-contaminated hull sections are transferred to special multiwheeled high-load trailers for transport to the Hanford Reservation in Washington State. Pictured below is the burial ground for spent fuel of the following 77 nuclear reactor submarines as of March 2003:
Patrick Henry (SSBN-599),
Snook (SSN-592),
George Washington (SSBN-598),
Scamp (SSN-588),
Robert E. Lee (SSBN-601),
Thomas Jefferson (SSBN-618),
Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600),
Dace (SSN-607),
John Adams (SSBN-620),
Abraham Lincoln (SSBN-602),
Barb (SSN-596),
Ethan Allen (SSBN-608),
Thomas A. Edison (SSBN-610),
Pollack (SSN-603),
Glenard P. Lipscomb (SSN-685),
James Monroe (SSBN-622),
Skipjack (SS-585),
Nathan Hale (SSBN-623),
Plunger (SSN-595),
Shark (SSN-591),
Lafayette (SSBN-616),
Sam Houston (SSBN-609),
Jack (SSN-605),
Haddo (SSN-604),
Tinosa (SSN-606),
Guardfish (SSN-612),
Permit (SSN-594),
Queenfish (SSN-651),
Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN-631),
John Marshall (SSBN-611),
George C. Marshall (SSBN-654),
Flasher (SSN-613),
Guitarro (SSN-665),
Alexander Hamilton (SSBN-617),
George Washington Carver (SSBN-656),
Tecumseh (SSBN-628),
Halibut (SSGN-587),
Will Rogers (SSBN-659),
Henry L. Stimson (SSBN-655),
Daniel Boone (SSBN-629),
Greenling (SSN-614),
John C. Calhoun (SSBN-630),
Casimir Pulaski (SSBN-633),
Skate (SSN-578),
Sargo (SSN-583),
Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657),
Sturgeon (SSN-637),
Benjamin Franklin (SSBN-640),
Swordfish (SSN-579),
Seadragon (SSN-584),
Stonewall Jackson (SSBN-634),
Simon Bolivar (SSBN-641),
Hammerhead (SSN-663),
Mariano G. Vallejo (SSBN-658),
Tullibee (SSN-597),
Lewis & Clark (SSBN-644),
Pargo (SSN-650),
Seahorse (SSN-669),
Gurnard (SSN-662),
Flying Fish (SSN-673),
Gato (SSN-615),
Puffer (SSN-652),
Seawolf (SSN-575),
Baton Rouge (SSN-689),
Bergall (SSN-667),
Whale (SSN-638),
Henry Clay (SSBN-625),
James Madison (SSBN-627),
Finback (SSN-670),
Spadefish (SSN-668),
Sunfish (SSN-649),
George Bancroft (SSBN-643),
Grayling (SSN-646),
Pintado (SSN-672),
Tunny (SSN-682),
Archerfish (SSN-678),
& Woodrow Wilson (SSBN-624).
As time passes & more boats are retired from service and their reactors are brought here, so the numbers rise. In this photo dated November 2009, 98 nuclear submarines and six nuclear cruisers have been recycled. For an up to date view, click here		USN photo submitted by Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Insert link courtesy of wikimedia.org
Commanding Officers
01CDR. White, Steven Angelo, USN :VADM05.01.1968 - 21.07.1969 First Date in Commission
02CDR. Hinkle, David Randall, USN (USNA 1954)21.07.1969 - 12.04.1973
03CDR. Ransom II, James Patterson, USN (USNA 1956)12.04.1973 - 17.01.1976
04CDR. Patton Jr., James Howard, USN (USNA 1960)17.01.1976 - 24.02.1979
05CDR. Cybul, Harvey John, USN (USNA 1962)24.02.1979 - 10.09.1982
06CDR. Hagen, James Burgess, USN10.09.1982 - 25.12.1984
07CDR. Cook, Larry Wilfred, USN25.12.1984 - 10.11.1988
08CDR. Hearding, David Warren, USN (USNA 1972)10.11.1988 - 12.08.1991
09CDR. Casey, Kevin Donald, USN12.08.1991 - 18.06.1993
10CDR. Wegner, Brian John, USN (USNA 1975)18.06.1993 - 14.04.1995 Last Date in Commission
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler
View the Pargo (SSN-650)
DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association
Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
FAS--SSN-637 Sturgeon class
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