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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive


Patches contributed by Mike Smolinski

Gurnard (SSN-662)


Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Xray - Quebec

Sturgeon Class Attack Submarine: Laid down, 22 December 1964, at Mare Island Naval Shipbuilding, Vallejo, CA.: Launched, 20 May 1967; Commissioned, USS Gurnard (SSN-662), 6 December 1968; Decommissioned and simultaneously struck from the Naval Register, 28 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 1997.

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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Gurnard740kPhoto from the 22 December 1964 issue of Vallejo's paper The News Evening Chronicle. Caption: Honorary keel layers pose with RADM Edward J. Fahy, USN, Mare Island Navy Yard Commander, after keel laying ceremonies for the fast attack submarine (SSN-662) (She wasn't named at the time) early today. Pictured from left to right, are Louis K. Moore, Leadingman Truck Driver; Wallace W. Clark, Master of the Machine Group; RADM Edward J. Fahy, USN; Francis W. Derr, Administrative Division Head, and Fire Chief James Greig. USN photo # 66043-12-64 TH courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. <
Gurnard854kPhoto from the 22 December 1964 issue of Vallejo's paper, The News Evening Chronicle. Caption: RADM Edward J. Fahy, USN, Mare Island Navy Yard Commander, stamps his initials on the keel plate of the (SSN-662), as the first hull section of the fast attack submarine was placed on the building ways today. The unnamed submarine will be the shipyard's 507th ship and 13th nuclear powered submarine. USN photo # 66641-12-64 TH courtesy of Darryl L. Baker. <
Gurnard153kThis montage of the construction evolution for the Gurnard (SSN 662) at Mare Islands appeared in the 20 August 1965 issue of Mare Island's newspaper The Grapevine. Caption reads: "Upper Right picture of Gurnard's main seawater valve being poured in Shop 81 is first in point of time. Walt Sobotor is at the ladle as the 3000-degree batch of HY-80 steel is poured into the mold. Last week in Shop 31, Machine Operator Ted Randle has a similar value on his horizontal mill. Operation shown at upper left is facing of the valve body. Lower left picture shows Molders Ed Hasson (left) and George Allen, Jr., in Foundry making a final check of the core before the cope of the mold is lowered into place. What is seen is only one-third of the vertical stabilizer tip (four complete ones are needed on "the (662)"). Formerly shaped and welded, these are now cast-a cost reduction item. Below, right: stern section grows in Structural Shop. Welder (above) is Kenneth Hepler; Shipfitter Frank Palagi (below, right) is with Apprentice Ronald Smith, who is grinding. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Kamehameha  1.40kMrs. Samuel Wilder King (Ship's Sponsor) is prepared to christen the Kamehameha (SSBN-642) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 16 January 1965. Kamehameha was the yard's sixth Polaris and 11th nuclear-powered submarine. The hull of the Gurnard (SSN-662) being constructed on the ways to the right.USN photo # MSA 66282-1-65,courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard349kThe sonar dome for the Gurnard (SSN-662) under construction in the shipfitter shop at Mare Island in April 1966. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard29k Photo of Mrs. George P. Miller, Sponsor for the launching the Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island on 20 May 1967. Photo from the 12 May 1967 issue of Mare Island's newspaper. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard618kMontage of photos covering the construction of the Gurnard (SSN-662). Photo from the 19 May 1967 issue of Mare Island Naval Shipyard newspaper. Caption reads: HOW Gurnard GREW - Striking photographs of certain highlights of the fast attack submarine's construction includes torpedo tubes (top left), stern sections (top right & bottom right), forward section (bottom left), diving planes (middle left) and sail area (middle right). Imposed in the center is the keel laying of the "662" showing RADM E. J. Fahy then Shipyard Commander, stamping his monogram on the first Gurnard section. Now Commander, Naval Ship Systems Command, Admiral Fahy will attend the launching tomorrow. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard402kSonar dome for the Gurnard (SSN-662) being lowered into place on the building ways at Mare Island on 16 May 1966. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard2.40kSonar dome for the Gurnard (SSN-662) is about in place on the building ways at Mare Island on 16 May 1966. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard1.40k View of the launching cradle and the bow of the Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island on 19 May 1967. USN photo # 77739-5-67 TH courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard142kPhoto from the 19 May 1967 issue of Mare Island Naval Shipyard newspaper. Caption reads: LEARNING HIS LINES - Trigger-man for tomorrow's launching fo the Gurnard (SSN-662). Hull Outfitting Group Superintendent D. L. Hughes get some instruction in the fine points ot triggering a launch from Shipwright Superintendent J. N. Honodel. Believing that practice makes perfect, Hughes went through several "trial launches". USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard69k Photo from the 19 May 1967 issue of Mare Island Naval Shipyard newspaper. The Gurnard (SSN-662) is shown poised for launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 20 May 1967. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard646kBow view of Gurnard (SSN-662) on the ways early on her launch date, 20 May 1967. Navy Photo # 77746-5-67, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard753kView of the Christening of Gurnard (SSN-662), 20 May 1967. The Hawkbill (SSN-666) is under construction to the left. Navy Photo # 77754-5-67, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard232k Preparations are under way for the Gurnard (SSN-662) on the launching blocks, 20 May 1967.Courtesy of Dan Danielson.
Gurnard272kBow-on shot of the Gurnard's (SSN-662) launch platform prior to the arrival of celebrities. Courtesy of Dan Danielson.
7Gurnard807kThis is the official party for the launching of Gurnard (SSN-662) 20 May 1967 at Mare Island. VIPS are from left to right: Front row: Mrs. Donald T. Holmes ; Mrs. Donald B. Muir (Matron of Honor); Mrs. George P. Miller (Sponsor); Mrs. J.H. McQuilkin, Mrs. C. L. Fears; Miss R. A. Holmes. Back row: Capt. Donald T. Holmes (Production Officer); Honorable George T, Miller (CA Congressman); Capt. C. L. Fears (Deputy Shipyard Commander); RADM Henry S Monroe (COMPHILTRAPAC); Mr. Donald Hughes (Trigger-man); Honorable Robert L. Leggett (CA Congressman); RADM Edward J. Fahy (COMNAVSYSCOM).Navy Photo # 77761-5-67, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard1.70kOfficial launching party arrives for the christening of the Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island on 20 May 1967. RADM E. J. Fahy (COMNAVSYSCOM) escorts Mrs. George P. Miller (Sponsor) and they are followed by left to right Representative Robert L. Leggett, Mrs. Donald B. Muir (Matron of Honor) and RADM Henry S. Monroe (COMPHIBTRAPAC).USN photo # 77740-5-67 TH, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard242kStern view of the Gurnard (SSN-662) showing the rams and the approaching high tide of Mare Island channel, 20 May 1967.Courtesy of Dan Danielson.
>Gurnard17kCommemorative post mark on the occasion of the launching the Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island on 20 May 1967. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Gurnard66kCommemorative postal cover issued on the occasion of the launching of the Gurnard (SSN-662), 20 May 1967.Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Gurnard50kFront cover of Launch Program for Gurnard (SSN-662). USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
>Gurnard293k Pages 1 & 2 of Launch Program for Gurnard (SSN-662). Page 1 includes information on the ship, the ship's Sponsor and the launch Speaker. The launch schedule is seen on page 2. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard121kBack cover of Launch Program for Gurnard (SSN-662). Cover includes a short history of Mare Island and names of the Honorary Keel Layers and launch Trigger-man. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard50kCommemorative cachet issued by Mare Island's Supervisor Association on the occasion of the launching of Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island on 20 May 1967.USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard975kNews clipping from the 21 May 1967 edition of the Vallejo Times Herald. Caption reads: Mrs. George P. Miller, left of Alameda, wife of the congressman from California's 8th District, was sponsor at yesterday's launching of the nuclear attack submarine Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island. Mrs. Miller is shown with her daughter, Mrs. Donald B. Muir, who served as Matron-of-Honor. USN photo # 77764-5-67 TH courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard155kNews clipping from the 21 May 1967 edition of the Napa Register. Caption reads: Cameras click as Mrs. George P. Miller cracks a champagne bottle on the bow of the nuclear attack submarine, Gurnard (SSN-662), at Mare Island Saturday. Mrs. Miller, wife of the Congressman from California's 8th District, was sponsor at this ship's christening. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard1.20kNews clipping from the 21 May 1967 edition of the Vallejo Times Herald. Caption reads: Mrs. George P. Miller took a mighty swing when it came time to christen the bow of the Gurnard (SSN-662). She swung with such gusto that the bottle of champagne broke in two parts. The bottom half spews champagne as it falls to the platform while Mrs. Miller holds the upper half. It was a perfect smash.USN photo # 77755-5-67, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard109kNews clipping from the 23 May 1967 edition of the Napa Register. Caption reads: Retired RADM C. H. Andrews, holding overcoat, was one of the honored guests at Saturday's launching of the nuclear powered submarine Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island Shipyard. He was Skipper of the new craft's name sake,Gurnard (SS-254).USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard105kPhoto from the 26 May 1967 issue of Mare Island Naval Shipyard newspaper. The Gurnard (SSN-662) is shown at the end of the building ways on 20 May 1967.Navy Photo # 77757-5-67, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard242kThe Gurnard (SSN-662) is waterborne following her launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 20 May 1967.Photo courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum & battleshipiowa.org. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
7Gurnard687kGurnard (SSN-662) is in middle of the Mare Island Channel on 20 May 1967 at Mare Island. Tugs assisting are from left to right: Satanta (YTM-270), DeKaury (YTM-178) coming up on the port side and YLT-435 on the starboard bow.Navy Photo # 77760-5-67, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard1.30kThe Gurnard (SSN-662) during her shakedown trials.Photo courtesy of ssn583.com & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Gurnard1.20kGurnard (SSN-662) during her shakedown trials. Photo courtesy courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
Gurnard95kBow on view of the Gurnard (SSN-662) passing underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, possibly during her sea-trials, 1967-68. Official USN photo courtesy of Wendell Royce McLaughlin Jr.
Gurnard484kGurnard (SSN-662) with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, possibly during her sea-trials, 1967-68. Photo courtesy courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
Gurnard1.40kRippling wind blows during the commissioning ceremonies aboard the Gurnard (SSN-662) on 6 December 1968.USN photo # 88180-12-68, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard32kNews clipping from the 6 December 1968 edition of Mare Island Naval Shipyard newspaper. The Gurnard (SSN-662) is seen returning to Mare Island Naval Shipyard after her initial sea trials.Courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard730kMrs. George P. Miller (Sponsor) is presented a ship plaque by CDR William Cole (Commanding Officer) after the commissioning of the Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island on 6 December 1968. RADM Walter Lowry Small (COMSUBPAC) is to the right.USN photo # 88182-12-68 TH, courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard54kNews clipping from the 7 December 1968 edition of the Napa Register. Caption reads: RADM N. Frankenberger, center, Commander of Mare Island, makes opening remarks at the commissioning of the Gurnard (SSN-662) Friday morning at the shipyard. At left is CDR William S. Cole, Jr., Commanding Officer of the Gurnard. Seated are RADM Walter Lowry Small, COMSUBPAC and Mrs. George P. Miller, the ships' Sponsor.Courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard1.80kNews clipping from the 7 December 1968 edition of the Napa Register. Caption reads: The crew of Gurnard (SSN-662) stands at attention atop the nuclear-powered submarine following the raising of the flag at commissioning ceremonies Friday morning at Mare Island.USN photo # 88180-12-68 TH courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard1.20kNews clipping from the 13 December 1968 edition of Mare Island Naval Shipyard newspaper. Photo taken at the reception following the commissioning of Gurnard (SSN-662) at Mare Island. Left to right: R. P. Metzger (Naval Reactors Representative), W. Sterling Cole (father of the Gurnard's skipper),CDR William S. Cole, Jr. (Commanding Officer) Gurnard, Mrs. George P. Miller (Sponsor), and Congressman Miller.USN photo # 88186-12-68 TH courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard38kNews clipping from the 13 December 1968 edition of Mare Island Naval Shipyard newspaper. Commissioning pennant raised aboard Gurnard (SSN-662) during her commissioning ceremonies at Mare Island on 6 December 1968.Courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Gurnard228kCommissioning pamphlet from the Gurnard (SSN-662). Photo from the collection of CWO 4 Benton E. Buell, USN, courtesy of David Buell.
Gurnard177kGurnard (SSN-662) commissioning cachet, 6 December 1968.Photo courtesy courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
Gurnard621k Newspaper article from The Periscope", the station newspaper of Naval Submarine Base, San Diego on the arrival of the Gurnard (SSN-662), 1 March 1969.Photo courtesy of David Buell.
Submerged submarines145kSubmerged submarines in tandem.USN photo courtesy of Robert Hall.
Thomas Jefferson
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1.38kEight photo PDF depicting the rescue of crew members of B-52D S/N 59-2600 published by Popular Mechanics, December 1977, by Barb (SSN-596) & Gurnard (SSN-662) on July 8, 1972.Photos courtesy of Fabio Pena & Bob Canchola.
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.
Gurnard67kAdmiral Henry G. Chiles, then Commander, assumed command of the Gurnard (SSN-662) on 30 May 1976. The submarine also conducted a refueling overhaul in record time and a Western Pacific deployment before Chiles departed on 15 October 1979. Photo courtesy of the DVIC submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Gurnard38kCommemorative postal cover issued on the occasion of the Bicentennial Polar expedition of the Gurnard (SSN-662), 14 April 1976.Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Gurnard70kCommemorative patch issued on the occasion of the Bicentennial Polar Expedition of the Gurnard (SSN-662), 1976.Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Gurnard41kGurnard (SSN-662) surfaced above the Arctic Circle, 12 November 1984.
This photo was taken just after we surfaced. There were 3 flares, two white and one red. The launching of the flares to illuminate the boat's sail was coordinated by Mark Andrew McCullough.
I believe, but can't be positive the three personnel in the sail at that time were Ensign Scanlon, FTG2/SS Heinle and TMSN/SS Gutierrez. I used my filtered Minolta X-570 with hi speed Kodak film provided by the NAVY; additionally due to the extreme cold and improper prolonged exposure most cameras malfunctioned, my camera was the only one to not freeze up.
USN photo and partial text by Mark Andrew McCullough (FTG1/SS).
Partial text i.d. also by Tim Lydon, Petty Officer (SS), courtesy of the US Navy Arctic Submarine Laboratory.
Insert photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Gurnard70kCommemorative postal cover issued on the occasion of the Polar visit of the Gurnard (SSN-662), 12 November 1984.Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Ballast Point, San Diego48kAn Oil on Masonite painting by the artist John Charles Roach, entitled "Ballast Point, San Diego", depicts sub base with subs and tenders at the pier in San Diego during mid 1986. The tenders were possibly the: McKee (AS-42) for Subron 7:
Dixon (AS-37) for Subron 3:
Among the subs were the:
Dolphin (AGSS-555):
Gudgeon (SS-567):
Albacore (AGSS-569):
Barbel (SS-580):
Blueback (SS-581):
Permit (SSN-594):
Plunger (SSN-595):
Pollack (SSN-603)
Haddo (SSN-604):
Guardfish (SSN-612):
Haddock (SSN-621):
Sturgeon (SSN-637):
Gurnard (SSN-662) :
Hawkbill (SSN-666):
Pintado (SSN-672):
Drum (SSN-677):
William H. Bates (SSN-680):
La Jolla (SSN-701):
Portsmouth (SSN-707) &
Salt Lake City (SSN-716).
Ballast Point, San Diego
John Charles Roach 1986.5
Oil on Masonite, 1986, courtesy of the USNHC, # 88-163-CR.
Text contributed by OMC J. Reid Pallady USNR-RET & QM2(SS)David Johnston (USN, retired)
Gurnard99kSecretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III autographs pictures for the new crew of the nuclear-powered submarine Gurnard (SSN-662) during a deployment beneath the Arctic ice off of Alaska. Official USN photo # DN-ST-90-07311, by Harry Gerwien, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Gurnard359kSenator Albert Gore of Tennessee climbs the sail structure of the nuclear-powered submarine Gurnard (SSN-662) during operations in the Arctic ice off of Alaska, 24 March 1990. Official USN photo DN-ST-90-07304, by Harry Gerwien, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. and submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Seahorse & Gurnard 346k Crew members stand on the bow of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Gurnard (SSN-662), background, as others gather nearby to watch the nuclear-powered attack submarine Seahorse (SSN-669) surface through the ice during exercise Ice Ex '90, 25 March 1990. USN photo # DN-ST-90-08033, by PH1 Harry Gerwien, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Seahorse & Gurnard 480k Crew members emerge from the nuclear-powered attack submarine Seahorse (SSN-669) shortly after the vessel surfaced through the ice at the North Pole during exercise Ice Ex '90. The sail of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Gurnard (SSN-662), which also just surfaced, can be seen on the horizon. USN photo # DN-ST-90-08032, by PH1 Harry Gerwien, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Gurnard221kGurnard (SSN-662): Above the timberline problem of seeing the forest through the trees.
A bit of history of this photo:
I was on board the Gurnard from 2/88 until 8/90. I extended when I learned the boat was being tasked with an ICEX. So, being ship qualified, as well as qualifications as Sonar Supervisor, and Operator on all critical and superfluous systems, they were more than happy to have me extend, and participate on the ICEX.
I took the picture with an inexpensive “film” camera, since inexpensive and easily portable digital cameras were still being developed. Once back, and after having the roll developed, I had really liked how this shot came out. I’d walked around on the other side that “hill” to ensure no foot prints were visible. After seeing it, we decided to have 2 5x7 prints developed…. Now I wish I had gotten an 8x10, and an 11x13…,but, between the extra expense, and having to worry about damage during a transfer, the 5x7’s were perfect.
USN photo courtesy of John A Martin, STS2(SS)
Assigned to Gurnard (SSN-662) from 2/88 to 8/90.
ICEX ‘90 aboard USS Gurnard
The picture was taken April,1990, 1 1/2 miles from the actual North Pole.
Seahorse & Gurnard 563k The camp, used as a support base for under-ice operations of the nuclear-powered submarines Gurnard (SSN-662) and Seahorse (SSN-669), is dwarfed by the snow and icebound seascape. USN photo # DN-ST-90-07317, by PH1 Harry Gerwien, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Gurnard124kThe submarine tender Dixon (AS-37) departs San Diego 17 September 1990 with the nuclear-powered attack submarines Guitarro, left, and Gurnard (SSN-662). The ships will be taking part in Exercise FallEx '90. Official USN photo # DN-SC-91-04869, by PH 2 Patrick W. Muscatt, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Gurnard351kA chief petty officer supervises a fellow crewman in the torpedo room of the nuclear-powered Gurnard (SSN-662) as they make adjustments to the torpedo transport rails at San Diego Harbor on 1/1/1991.USN photo # DN-ST-97-00580 by PHC Bob Sasek courtesy of defenseimagery.mil.
Gurnard116k A starboard beam view of the nuclear-powered attack submarine Gurnard (SSN-662) underway as it departs San Diego on 1 February 1991. Official USN photo # DN-ST-91-05701, by PH1 Robert J. Saul, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Gurnard115kOn board the nuclear-powered attack submarine Gurnard (SSN-662); submariners are rumored to eat the best in the world during deployments when they are submerged for long periods of time. Here a food services person readies rolled rump roast, which indicates they eat pretty well when tied up in port also.Official USN photo # DN-ST-97-00581, by PHC Bob Sasek, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Gurnard431kJanuary - July 1993 would find the Gurnard (SSN-662) on her "last run to the rising sun". Photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
Gurnard89kWelcome Aboard cover of the Gurnard (SSN-662). Photo courtesy of David Buell.
Gurnard188kInactivation Ceremony invitation for the Gurnard (SSN-662) on 12 August 1994.Photo courtesy of David Buell. The contributor's father was CWO 4 Benton E. Buell, USN, was aboard the first Gurnard (SS-254), during World War II. As such, he maintained contact with the new Gurnard and crew over the years, and made his last submarine dive as a guest of the Chief of the Boat in 1990. He passed away in 1992, but his sister Benetta and he attended the Inactivation Ceremony as guests of the crew in his behalf. They were acknowledged during the ceremony as the family of B.E. Buell, who was the only enlisted plankowner on the first Gurnard to both commission and de- commission her.
Gurnard31kInactivation Ceremony invitation for the Gurnard (SSN-662) on 12 August 1994.Photo courtesy of David Buell.
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. Cole Jr., William Sterling, USN (USNA 1953)06.12.1968 - 05.06.1970 First Date in Commission
02CDR. Bell, Clyde Roberts, USN (USNA 1953) :VADM05.06.1970 - 12.05.1973
03CDR. West Jr., Ralph Whitaker, USN (USNA 1958) :RADM12.05.1973 - 30.05.1976
04CDR. Chiles Jr., Henry Goodman, USN (USNA 1960) :ADM30.05.1976 - 15.10.1979
05CDR. Morgan, Edward Lee, USN15.10.1979 - 22.04.1983
06CDR. Wiese, Clifford Allen, USN (USNA 1966)22.04.1983 - 14.03.1987
07CDR. Bickford, John Charles, USN14.03.1987 - 01.06.1989
08CDR. Westcott, Richard Elliot, USN (USNA 1970)01.06.1989 - 19.06.1989
09CDR. Espinosa, William Michael, USN19.06.1989 - 18.03.1992
10CDR. Smith III, Bert Leroy, USN18.03.1992 - 10.04.1993
11CDR. Rondorf, Neil Eugene, USN10.04.1993 - 07.11.1993
12CDR. Malins, Chester Joseph, USN07.11.1993 - 28.04.1995 Last Date in Commission
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler

View the Gurnard (SSN-662)
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-637 Sturgeon class

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