Lest we forget …

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First Polaris Launch

Thanks to Joel “Bubblehead” Kennedy, who reminds us of the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of USS George Washington (SSBN 598), the first ballistic missile submarine. What must it have been like to be there July 20 1960, when the skipper sent a burner 1,100 miles downrange, then sent President Eisenhower the message: POLARIS — FROM OUT OF THE DEEP TO TARGET. PERFECT.

I think Bubblehead says it best:

Service in SSBNs might not be as glamorous and exciting as being on an attack boat, but the bottom line is that our strategic capability is the cornerstone of our national security, and as the most survivable leg of our nuclear triad, SSBNs play an unmatched role in our defense. I’m thankful there are men out there on strategic patrol during this holiday season so that my family can sleep soundly at night.”

Check out his post(s) at bubbleheads.blogspot.com

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About Author

A Navy brat who spent eight years in the Marines (two years aboard the carrier Independence). Worked in journalism in Eastern North Carolina through the latter part of the 90s, then became editor of Air Force Times in 2000. Stayed there five years, then took a break to finish some school. Now back in the game with Navy Times.

1 Comment

  1. Shaman (formerly Chaps) on

    I gave the Invocation at GW’s decommissioning. i said that GW was “the ultimate monument to peace…. the unused weapons system.”

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