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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive


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Portsmouth (SSN-707)

Radio Call Sign: November - Tango - Bravo - India

Los Angeles Class Attack Submarine: Laid down, 8 May 1980, at Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp., Groton, CT.; Launched, 18 September 1982; Commissioned, USS Portsmouth (SSN-707), 1 October 1983. Portsmouth was decommissioned in September 2004.

Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 6,080t., Submerged: 6.927 t.; Length 360'; Beam 33'; Draft 32'; Speed, Surfaced 25 kts, Submerged 30+ kts; Depth limit 950'; Complement 129; Armament, four 21" torpedo tubes aft of bow can also launch Harpoon and Tomahawk ASM/LAM missiles & MK-48 torpedoes; Combat Systems, AN/BPS-5 surface search radar, AN/BPS-15 A/16 navigation and fire control radar, TB-16D passive towed sonar arrays, TB-23 passive "thin line" towed array, AN/BQG-5D wide aperture flank array, AN/BQQ-5D/E low frequency spherical sonar array, AN/BQS-15 close range active sonar (for ice detection); MIDAS Mine and Ice Detection Avoidance System, SADS-TG active detection sonar, Type 2 attack periscope (port), Type 18 search periscope (starboard), AN/BSY-1 (primary computer); UYK-7; UYK-43; UYK-44, WLR-9 Acoustic Intercept Receiver, ESM; Propulsion System, S6G nuclear reactor one propeller at 35,000 shp.
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Portsmouth249kThe Portsmouth (SSN-707) slides down the launching ways at Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp., Groton, CT, 18 September 1982. The boomer in the background is the Rhode Island (SSBN-730). The boat's name was changed to Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730) in honor of the late senator who died 1 September 1983, she would be launched on 15 October 1983.USN photo courtesy of Dusty Wilson (MMCSS Ret.) with photo i.d. courtesy of Fabio Pena.
Portsmouth57kThe Portsmouth (SSN-707) slides down the launching ways at Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp., Groton, CT, 18 September 1982. The boomer in the background is the Rhode Island (SSBN-730) before her name was changed to Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730) in honor of the late senator who died 1 September 1983, she would be launched on 15 October 1983. USN photo courtesy of news.navy.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo. Photo i.d. courtesy of Dusty Wilson (MMCSS Ret.)
Portsmouth52kThe crew of the Portsmouth (SSN-707) salutes the national ensign as she slides down the launching ways at Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp., Groton, CT, 18 September 1982.USN photo courtesy of Fall 2004 edition of "UNDERSEAWARFARE" & submitted by Darryl L. Baker
Portsmouth732kPostal cover of Portsmouth's (SSN-707) launching from Electric Boat General Dynamics.Photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Portsmouth1.07k22 photo PDF Welcome Aboard the Portsmouth (SSN-707).USN photos courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Portsmouth733kPortsmouth (SSN-707) underway in Long Island Sound during sea trials in 1983. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Portsmouth108kCaptain Donald D. M. Olson the fist Commanding Officer of Portsmouth (SSN-707).USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Portsmouth99kGuests wait for the commissioning to begin for the nuclear-powered attack submarine Portsmouth (SSN-707) on 1 October 1983.Official USN photo # DN-SC-85-12151, by PH3 Zopf, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Portsmouth13kCommemorative postal cover marking the commissioning of the Portsmouth (SSN-707), 1 October 1983. 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:
Gudgeon (SS-567):
Albacore (AGSS-569):
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)
Portsmouth730kPhoto given to project team member during Depot Modernization Period of Portsmouth (SSN-707) at Mare Island from 15 March 1991 to 5 August 1992. USN photo # 245280-3-82, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Portsmouth69kA native of Elberton, Ga., Rear Adm. Frank M. Drennan graduated in 1976 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Prior to command, he served at sea in James Madison (SSBN-627), Birmingham (SSN-695), and Louisville (SSN-724). He served ashore on the staffs of COMSUBRON 16, COMSUBPAC, Naval Submarine School, OPNAV, and the Joint Staff. Rear Adm. Frank M. Drennan commanded Portsmouth (SSN-707) from August 1992 to March 1995. During his tour, Portsmouth was awarded the Submarine Squadron Three Battle Efficiency "E" for excellence in combat readiness and all-around ship's operations, as well as the Engineering "Red E" and the Supply "Blue E" departmental awards. Rear Adm. Frank M. Drennan commanded Submarine Squadron Six from August 1999 to August 2001. From January to June 2000, he carried out additional duties as the Undersea Warfare Commander for Commander, George Washington Battle Group on the staff of Commander, Cruiser/Destroyer Group Two. USN photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
Portsmouth112kThe Portsmouth (SSN-707) arrives at Guam during dusk, mid September '01 during her 2001 to 2002 deployment.Photo & text courtesy of Ray Slusar, LTJG SC, USNR.
Portsmouth116kThe Portsmouth (SSN-707) returned home to San Diego February 11 2003 after a successful six-month Western Pacific deployment. The attack submarine was awarded the 2003 Submarine Squadron Eleven Tactical White "T," Communicatiaons Green "C," and the Damage Control Red "DC." USN photo & text by JOC(SCW) Robert Feinberg, courtesy of news.navy.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Portsmouth69kThe Flag detail ensures its raising to the stern aboard the Portsmouth (SSN-707) as she returned home to San Diego February 11 2003 after a successful six-month Western Pacific deployment. USN photo by JOC(SCW) Robert Feinberg, courtesy of news.navy.mil. & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Portsmouth379kCrewmen aboard the Portsmouth (SSN-707), man the topside navigation watch as the submarine operates at high speed near San Diego, Calif. on 29 July 2003.USN photo # N-5465P-001 by Journalist 2nd Class Thomas C. Peterson, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth132k Portsmouth (SSN-707) arrives at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, February 2004.Courtesy of Kevin Rasmussen.
Portsmouth150k Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Ryan MacNail removes seaweed from the main ballast cover aboard Portsmouth (SSN-707) during preparations for getting underway at Naval Base Point Loma, Calif. on 12 August 2004. USN photo # N-6811L-063 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth257k The Portsmouth (SSN-707) heads out to sea for a final cruise. USN photo # N-6811L-184 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth91k The crew of the submarine Portsmouth (SSN-707) enjoy the waters of the Pacific Ocean during a swim call.USN photo # N-6811L-081 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth254k Commanding Officer, Portsmouth (SSN-707) Cmdr. Kevin R. Brenton, left, and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Guillermo Juarez conduct a lookout watch during sunset 15 August 2004 in the Pacific Ocean. USN photo # N-6811L-173 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth280k Portsmouth (SSN-707) Diving Officer of the Watch, Senior Chief Store Keeper Albert Holguin, gives instruction to Fireman Joel Johnson on proper operating procedures for the Helmsman. USN photo # N-6811L-017 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth337k Chief Machinist's Mate David Noel, assigned to Portsmouth (SSN-707), performs a pre-load inspection inside a torpedo tube. USN photo # N-6811L-041 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth526k Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Benjamin Neufeld checks for hot spots with a Naval Firefighting Thermal Imager (NFTI) during a fire drill aboard Portsmouth (SSN-707) on 18 August 2004. USN photo # N-6811L-091 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth250kWhile wearing an Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA), Executive Officer, Portsmouth (SSN-707) Cmdr. Doug Reckamp, reports to Damage Control Central during a fire drill aboard the submarine. USN photo # N-6811L-027 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth315k Portsmouth (SSN-707) Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Kevin R. Brenton, observes the action in the control room during a hot run toxic gas drill while underway. USN photo # N-6811L-050 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth454kCommanding Officer, Portsmouth (SSN-707) Cmdr. Kevin R. Brenton looks through the periscope in the control room while his watchstanders stand a vigilant watch. USN photo # N-6811L-013 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth85k Electrician's Mate 1st Class Eric Cherry stands watch on the sail bridge as Portsmouth (SSN-707) transits the Panama Canal on 21 August 2004. Portsmouth, a Los Angeles class attack submarine, is transiting to Norfolk, Va., where she is scheduled for decommissioning in September 2004. USN photo # N-0870710 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth115k Mobile Security Detachment Two Two (MSD-22) provides security for Portsmouth (SSN-707) as the submarine transits through the Panama Canal. USN photo # N-6811L-374 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth297k Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Nicholas Thesing, assigned to Portsmouth (SSN-707), enters a torpedo tube for a pre-load inspection. USN photo # N-6811L-020 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth156k Portsmouth (SSN-707) passes under the Bridge of the Americas as she transits through the Panama Canal. USN photo # N-6811L-099 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth207k Master-at-Arms 1st Class James Farrar, assigned to Mobile Security Detachment Two Two (MSD-22), provides security for the Portsmouth (SSN-707) as the submarine transits through the Panama Canal. USN photo # N-6811L-246 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth94k A Sailor assigned to Mobile Security Detachment Two Two (MSD-22), stationed at Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va., provides security for Portsmouth (SSN-707) as she transits the locks of the Panama Canal.USN photo # N-6811L-134 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth389kMobile Security Detachment Two Two (MSD-22), stationed at Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va., provides security for Portsmouth (SSN-707) as she transits through the Panama Canal. USN photo # N-2911P-123 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth389kThe crew of Portsmouth (SSN-707) stand-by to receive lines as the submarine enters a lock in the Panama Canal. USN photo N-6811L-117 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Portsmouth389kPortsmouth (SSN-707) transits through the Panama Canal. USN photo # N-6811L-153 by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy, courtesy of news.navy.mil.
Scranton44k Driver of the Navy sponsored NASCAR Bush Series No. 14 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Casey Atwood and members of his crew check out the sail onboard the submarine Scranton (SSN-756). The FitzBradshaw race team visited Naval Station Norfolk, 15 - 17 September 2004, to tour the base and get a glimpse of what Navy life is like for the Sailors they represent weekly. The Portsmouth (SSN-707) is docked behind them.USN photo # N-2820Z-001 by Journalist Apprentice Andy Zask, courtesy of chinfo.navy.mil.
Portsmouth35kInvitation for the Inactivation ceremony for the Portsmouth (SSN-707), 10 September 2004. Courtesy of Wendell R. McLaughlin Jr.
Portsmouth91k Portsmouth (SSN-707) at its deactivation at Norfolk Naval Station, September 2004 Courtesy of Wendell R. McLaughlin Jr.
Portsmouth69k Portsmouth (SSN-707) decommissioning ceremony. Courtesy of Wendell R McLaughlin Jr.
Portsmouth92kCommanding Officer, Portsmouth (SSN-707), Cmdr. Kevin Brenton, left, and Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Electronics Technician Daniel Adley, right, presents the Mayor of Portsmouth, Va., Dr. James W. Holley III with an official ball cap, coin and photograph of the submarine during a city council meeting 23 November 2004. The photograph was taken during a recent transit into the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard while the submarine was flying the City of Portsmouth flag. Portsmouth was decommissioned in September 2004, after 21 years of service. USN photo # N-5268S-001 by Journalist 2nd Class Christina M. Shaw, courtesy of news.navy.mil.

Commanding Officers
01CAPT. Olson, Donald Milton, USN01.10.1983 - 18.04.1984 First Date in Commission
02CDR. Gumbert Jr., Ronald Derwood, USN (USNA 1969)14.04.1984 - 00.02.1987
03CDR. Ihrig, Clyde James, USN (USNA 1970)00.02.1987 - 00.01.1990
04CDR. Wheeler, Dennis Ralph, USN00.01.1990 - 12.08.1992
05CDR. Drennan, Frank Miller, USN (USNA 1976) :RADM12.08.1992 - 00.03.1995
06CDR. Corpus, Jose Ricardo (Dick), USN (USNA 1977)00.03.1995 - 19.12.1997
07CDR. Brady, Patrick Hahler, USN (USNA 1981) :RADM19.12.1997 - 22.08.2000
08CDR. Low, James Richard, USN (USNA 1982)22.08.2000 - 08.05.2003
09CDR. Brenton, Kevin Ryan, USN08.05.2003 - 25.03.2005
10CDR. Hicks, Dixon Kendall, USN25.03.2005 - 12.08.2005 Last Date in Commission
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler

There is no DANFS History currently available for Portsmouth (SSN-707) at the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site, the main archive for the DANFS Online Project.
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association

Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
SSN-688 Los Angeles-class
Virtual Tour of USS Springfield (SSN 761) from PBS's Nova web site

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