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Submarine Group Trident Hosts 1000th Patrol Ceremony in Bangor

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090301-09
Release Date: 3/1/2009 8:29:00 PM

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Gretchen Albrecht, Commander Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Commander Submarine Group Trident hosted a ceremony Feb. 26, at Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, Wash.,
commemorating the 1000th strategic deterrent patrol conducted by an Ohio-class fleet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).

Adm. Kirkland Donald, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, gave the keynote address to more than 500 active and retired submariners and guests.

"We are here to reflect on the critical role these submarines played in our nation's history and how it has contributed to our national security," said Donald.

"This is a day to reflect, remember and challenge ourselves to maintain a path toward a bright and internationally stable future and to remember all of the monumental effort and sacrifice on the part of so many who really made this day possible."

Trident submarines have been patrolling the world's oceans the past 27 years providing inherent stealth, firepower, nearly limitless endurance and a credible deterrence for any enemies that would seek to use force against the United States or its allies.

"As we think about this accomplishment it is important to consider why we keep doing this, why we send these men to sea," said Vice Adm. Carl Mauney, deputy commander, U.S. Strategic Command, during his remarks.

"The fact that we possess such weapons has deterred potential aggression and has assured our security and that of many of our allies."

USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue), assigned to Kings Bay,Ga., actually completed the 1000th patrol, but the ceremony paid tribute to past and present crews that served aboard one of the 18 Trident submarines.

"This celebration acknowledges all of the SSBN crews and support organizations for the years of dedicated service that made our strategic mission successful for decades," said Rear Adm. Timothy Giardina, commander, Submarine Group Trident. "I want to especially thank our supportive family members who have enabled us to remain dedicated to this critical mission."

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 9, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.