USS Seawolf (SSN-21)

USS "Seawolf" (SSN-21), the lead ship of her class, is the fourth submarine of the United States Navy named for the seawolf, a solitary fish with strong, prominent teeth and projecting tusks that give it a savage look. The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics and Newport News Shipbuilding on 9 January 1989 and her keel was laid down on 25 October 1989. She was launched on 24 June 1995 sponsored by Mrs. Margaret Dalton, and commissioned on 19 July 1997, with Commander David M. McCall in command.

"Seawolf" was a product of the Cold War, designed as a replacement to the "Los Angeles" class submarines and as a response to the Soviet "Akula" class. It is said that the "Seawolf" is quieter at its tactical speed of 25 knots than a "Los Angeles" submarine is pierside. Originally 29 were planned for production, but with the end of the Cold war, the cost was judged to be prohibitively high and only 3 were built in favor of the smaller "Virginia" class submarines, which were expected to be about 10% cheaper.

On July 22, 2007, the submarine transferred from its previous homeport of New London, CT, to permanently reside at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington.U.S. Navy News Service. July 24, 2007. NNS070724-15. "USS Seawolf Makes New Home In Pacific Northwest." http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30735]

Adding support personnel as well as ship's crew, there are 140 personnel attached to the "Seawolf".

Deployments

*2001 - Northern Atlantic/Mediterranean Sea
*2003 - Northern Atlantic
*2006 - Western Pacific

Awards

2007

*Tactical White "T"
*Battle Efficiency "E" Ribbon
*Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award
*Meritorious Unit Commendation

2004

*Battle Efficiency "E" Ribbon

References in modern culture

* The computer game "SSN-21 Seawolf", released by Electronic Arts in 1994 focuses on the USS Seawolf (SSN-21) and its engagement in several fictional campaigns. [Gamespot PC Games [http://au.gamespot.com/pc/sim/ssn21seawolf/index.html SSN-21 Seawolf] Retrieved on 2007-04-07.]
* The adventure novel "USS Seawolf" by Patrick Robinson was published in May 2000. [Amazon.com [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060196300 U.S.S. Seawolf] Retrieved on 2007-04-20.]
* David Hagberg's techno-thriller "By Dawn's Early Light" extensively features the USS Seawolf in combat with Pakastani, Chinese, and North Korean naval forces.

References