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USS Henry M. Jackson Completes Patrol, Returns Home

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110315-09
3/15/2011

From Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Trident ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) (Blue Crew) returned to its homeport of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Wash., Feb. 27 following a 60-day strategic deterrent patrol.

"The patrol was fantastic," said Cmdr. Matt Terwilliger, Henry M. Jackson (Blue Crew) commanding officer. "We executed our primary mission, conducted an intense, short-notice exercise and had two successful examinations. Through it all, the 'Defenders of Freedom' successfully executed everything we were tasked to complete, and I am very proud of the officers and crew."

During its patrol, which began Dec. 30, Henry M. Jackson (Blue Crew) saw 12 Sailors – 11 enlisted and one officer – earn the traditional submariner's dolphins by completing their submarine qualifications. In addition, 28 Sailors were promoted, and one became a new father.

"I couldn't be more proud," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris McConnaughay, Henry M. Jackson (Blue Crew) executive officer. "It had been about 6 months since we had been to sea, so the need to transition back to an operations mindset was exigent. We needed to get to sea safely, execute our primary mission of strategic deterrence, and conduct short-notice tasking. The officers and crew performed extremely well...and that's indicative of their perseverance and exceptional character."

Henry M. Jackson is one of eight ballistic-missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the survivable leg of the nation's strategic deterrent forces.