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

The USS Washington, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, recently received the highest unit award—the Presidential Unit Citation—for an exceptional six-month deployment with the U.S. Sixth Fleet.

Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher commended the submarine crew’s remarkable dedication, stating their work in high-stakes environments was essential for maritime security and global stability.

The Presidential Unit Citation is the highest Department of Defense unit award, given for extraordinary heroism in combat. The USS Washington joins an elite group of military units with this honor.

Throughout the deployment, the USS Washington, also known as “Blackfish,” conducted three major operations, providing vital intelligence and strengthening national security.

Commander Keith Turnbull praised the crew’s resilience, saying that their rigorous training and support from the Naval Station in Norfolk were crucial to their success.

The USS Washington set a record for most time spent on station during an East Coast submarine deployment, demonstrating unparalleled mission endurance.

Celebrating key achievements, the crew included the first chief Intelligence Specialist to earn submarine warfare qualification and the highest number of women ever deployed on a fast-attack submarine.

During this mission, the USS Washington traveled 37,000 nautical miles, earned an Arctic Service Medal, and achieved major qualifications, further solidifying its role as a critical Navy asset.