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USS Henry M. Jackson Honors Namesake, 75th Patrol

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100802-11
8/2/2010

By Lt. Kellie Randall, Commander Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors from the USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) (Blue) commemorated the boat's namesake, and her upcoming 75th Trident strategic deterrent patrol at a ceremony, July 30, at Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor, Wash.

Members from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Seattle, Wash., along with the crew and their families attended the Heritage Day event, to honor U.S. Sen. Henry M. Jackson's contributions to the country, the Navy and the submarine force.

Henry M. Jackson is the only Trident submarine not named after a state, Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Eugene Nemeth said "As we lean forward to achieve strategic excellence, it is also imperative that we look back and understand the significance of being the only non-state named Trident submarine."

The ship's sponsor, Anna Marie Laurence, spoke about what a privilege it was to be able to get together with the crew and, "reconnect with the USS Henry M. Jackson and to thank again all those who serve on her and have served to support her and her mission." She concluded her speech with some thoughts about her father and what the submarine would have meant to him. "I know my father would be very proud of the crew for their expertise, hard work and sacrifice in defending our country," said Laurence.

Commander, Submarine Squadron 17, Capt. Paul Skarpness, delivered an address discussing the importance of our SSBN force and its mission. "The unmatched stealth of our Trident SSBNs keeps them virtually undetectable in the vast oceans, and therefore, the most survivable nuclear deterrent platform in the United States Arsenal," said Skarpness.

Henry M. Jackson's first Trident strategic deterrent patrol was completed in Aug. 1985 and for more than 25 years, they have continued to support the country with the most survivable form of deterrence.

A picnic was held after the ceremony for family members of the crew and the ceremony participants. "It's awesome to be able to spend time as a crew with our families, and with our extended Henry M. Jackson family, it helps tighten crew cohesiveness and improves morale," said Sonar Technician 1st Class Jake Barosh.