USS Springfield (SSN-761)

USS "Springfield" (SSN-761), a "Los Angeles"-class submarine, is the fourth ship of the United States Navy to bear that name. The earlier "Springfield"s were named for differing reasons; SSN-761 was specifically named for Springfield, Illinois and Springfield, Massachusetts.

The contract to build her was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on 21 March 1986 and her keel was laid down on 29 January 1990. She was launched on 4 January 1992 sponsored by the Honorable Lynn Martin, and commissioned on 9 January 1993, with Commander Richard K. Ford in command. "Springfield" is homeported in Naval Submarine Base, Groton, Connecticut.

Beginning in mid-2004, "Springfield" began an extensive overhaul and modernization period at Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. In addition to normal periodic maintenance and repairs, "Springfield" received extensive modernization in fire control systems, sonar processing, weapons launch systems, and communications outfit, a ring laser gyro inertial navigation system, as well as stealth improvements and engine room upgrades. The modernization was the first major overhaul and repair job for Electric Boat in almost 25 yrs. [http://www.nstcenter.org/docs/PDFs/MR2006_Fleet_004SkipCastroFleetForces.pdf] Originally awarded as a 12 month, $26.3M Depot Modernization, "Springfield" was to be the test case for the possibility of awarding future repair and overhaul contracts to Electric Boat. [http://www.gdeb.com/news/2003archives.html] The overhaul was plagued by cost and time over-runs and when finally completed in December 2005, it was several months late and well over budget. Electric Boat has not been awarded any DMP contracts since.

"Springfield" has recently returned from an overseas deployment in support of the Global War on Terror (September 2006 to March 2007).

Awards

As of 2008 "Springfield" has deployed overseas seven times and earned three meritorious unit commendations. It has also earned several Battle "E" efficiency awards. Recently it has been awarded the retention excellence award for its squadron. The ship received the Arleigh Burke fleet trophy in 2003. The ship received the 1998 Captain Edward F. Ney Silver Cup Trophy from the International Food Service Executives Association for the Best Restaurant Worldwide. The "Springfield" has also won multiple awards for Navigation, Engineering, Medical, Supply, Damage Control and Deck Seamanship excellence.

External links

* [http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/SSN761.htm Naval Vessel Register entry for USS "Springfield"]
* [http://www.gdeb.com/news/ General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation News]
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/ssn-688.htm Federation of American Scientists entry for Los Angeles class submarines]

References