U.S Navy Submarine Receives Highest Unit Award For Exceptional Service In Top-Secret Missions

The USS Washington (SSN 787), a Virginia class fast attack submarine, has been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) for its outstanding performance during a recent six-month deployment with the United States Sixth Fleet.

Captain Timothy Poe presented the award during a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk on July 19.

Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, commander of Submarine forces, said the recognition reflects the crew’s exceptional dedication. He added that their work in challenging situations has remained crucial for ensuring maritime safety and global peace.

The Presidential Unit Citation, presented to the submarine, is the highest unit award in the Department of Defense. It is given to military units that show extraordinary heroism in combat against enemy forces.

During its deployment, the USS Washington, nicknamed Blackfish, carried out three major operations that provided sensitive information and protected national security interests.

Commander Keith Turnbull, the commanding officer of Washington, was proud of his crew for entering the ranks of prestigious award recipients.

Turnbull added that the crew’s achievement was possible due to the efforts of support staff and training organizations in Norfolk.

The crew’s detailed planning and discipline allowed the submarine to operate for long without direct support.

Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate Austin Gilbert praised the crew’s resilience, saying their training and maintenance efforts were essential to the submarine’s mission readiness. He said that the crew represents the spirit of the great undersea warriors.

USS Washington also set a record for the most time spent on station for an East Coast submarine deployment.

The crew celebrated many accomplishments, including the first chief Intelligence Specialist to receive submarine warfare qualification and the highest number of women ever deployed on a fast-attack submarine.

During its mission, the submarine traveled nearly 37,000 nautical miles and supported diplomatic efforts by visiting ports in Faslane, Scotland, and Grotsund, Norway.

The USS Washington was awarded the new Arctic Service Medal for its outstanding service in the Arctic region. Forty-four enlisted sailors and five officers obtained submarine warfare qualifications, and ten officers were promoted.

Fast-attack submarines, like the USS Washington, are designed for multiple missions, including anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, gathering information, and power projection.

The Virginia-class submarine is 377 feet long, 34 feet wide, and weighs around 7,900 tons when submerged. It can reach speeds of over 25 knots underwater, making it a valuable asset to the Navy’s maritime strategy.

Reference: U.S Navy

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