USS Archerfish SSN-678

The USS Archerfish (SSN-678) was a Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, her construction started on January 19, 1968, and she was launched on January 16, 1971. She was commissioned on December 17, 1971, with Commander Ralph L. Tindal at the helm.

Named after the Archerfish, a fish famous for its unique hunting method of shooting water to knock prey into the water, the submarine's name symbolized stealth and precision. Just like its namesake, the Archerfish was all about striking with accuracy.

The USS Archerfish was known for her speed and depth capabilities, making her a powerful player in underwater warfare. She was equipped with advanced sonar and weapons systems, which allowed her to track and engage enemy targets with remarkable precision.

Throughout her service, the USS Archerfish left a significant mark on the US Navy. She took part in numerous missions and exercises, playing a vital role during the Cold War. Her operations included surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions in key strategic areas worldwide.

As part of the Sturgeon-class, the Archerfish was designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and intelligence gathering. These submarines were known for their versatility and reliability, forming a crucial part of the US Navy's submarine fleet in the latter half of the 20th century.

The commissioning of the USS Archerfish was the start of a distinguished service record. Throughout her career, she earned numerous awards and commendations for her exceptional performance and contributions to national security.

 

USS Archerfish SSN-678: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry

The USS Archerfish (SSN-678) was a Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, commissioned in 1971. It measured 292 feet in length and had a beam of 31 feet, with a submerged displacement of about 4,640 tons. Built with high-strength HY-80 steel, its hull was designed to endure the intense pressures of deep-sea operations. The sail housed essential equipment like periscopes, antennas, and masts for communication and navigation.

Powered by an S5W nuclear reactor, the Archerfish had virtually unlimited range and endurance. This reactor drove a single propeller, enabling the submarine to reach speeds over 25 knots while submerged. It was equipped with advanced sonar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and a combat data system for real-time communication and coordination with other naval assets.

The Archerfish's armament included four 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes, capable of launching Mark 48 torpedoes. It was also equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles. The submarine featured a variety of sensors and countermeasures to detect and evade enemy threats, including passive and active sonar systems, radar warning receivers, and decoy launchers. It could conduct a wide range of missions, such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence gathering.

In its time, the USS Archerfish (SSN-678) was a formidable asset in the US Navy's fleet. It combined advanced technology, stealth, and firepower to support national security objectives. This versatile and lethal platform was capable of operating in the world's most challenging maritime environments.

 

Crew Accounts of Time Aboard

The USS Archerfish (SSN-678) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and camaraderie. The guestbook posts from these veterans paint a vivid picture of life aboard this storied submarine, highlighting both the highs and lows of their naval careers.

Rick Artus, who served as a Radioman Second Class (RM2) in 1986, fondly recalls the latter part of the '87 Mediterranean run, the Lantsubicex '88, and the overhaul at Bremerton PSNS. He cherishes the good times and the good people he met, expressing a desire to reconnect with his shipmates.

Craig Asleson, a Torpedoman Second Class (TM2) in 1992, reminisces about the memorable cruise and the fun he had meeting his fellow sailors. He notes how it feels like only yesterday was duty day, underscoring the lasting impact of his time on the Archerfish.

Dwight Baldwin, who served as a Fire Control Technician Second Class (FTG2) in 1975, describes his experience as the best and worst of times, with unforgettable memories of Greece, Cocoa Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

David Banister, a Master Chief Machinist's Mate (MMC - MMCS) in 1986, highlights the excitement of IceX deployments and humorously contrasts it with his current, more challenging role as a high school teacher.

Jerry Bartlett, a Master Chief Machinist's Mate (MMCS) in 1978, reflects on the life lessons he learned aboard the Archerfish, the great running mates, and the memorable Mediterranean runs and special trips. He now works at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.

Jeffrey Bromfield, an Electronics Technician Third Class (ET3) in 1994, recalls the divers working in the sail and the memories of topside watch and duty sections. He fondly remembers the good guys he served with.

Burton, a Sonar Technician Second Class (STS2) in 1971, humorously notes his survival and current work at Oregon State University, selling surplus property and fixing computers. He mentions his two kids and jokes about some shipmates still owing him money.

Jim Butler, a Senior Chief Sonar Technician (STSCS) in 1973, shares his retirement in Green Valley, Arizona, and the pleasant memories he and his wife, Pat, still discuss about the crew members and their adventures.

Michael Cary, who served in 1975, recalls his antics that led to his early departure from the Archerfish but enjoyed the ride while it lasted. He now runs the Banned Books Cafe in San Antonio, Texas.

Mark Childers, an Interior Communications Electrician Second Class (IC2) in 1985, speaks of the great times and people he met on the Archerfish. He retired as an Electronics Technician Chief (ETC) in 2004 and lives in Ironton, Ohio.

Ken Comer, a Lieutenant (LT) in 1976, congratulates his fellow survivors and shares his current work at the Pentagon among submariners who were not born when they sailed together.

Mark Cozad, an Electronics Technician Second Class (ETN2) in 1974, recalls the monotony, boredom, and camaraderie of his time at sea, wondering about the whereabouts of his fellow Radiomen.

Chris Dowling, an Electronics Technician Second Class (ET2SS) in 1981, shares his journey through education and his current life, married and raising toddlers.

Jerry Emerson, a Chief Petty Officer Quartermaster (QMC) in 1971, was part of the commissioning crew and retired in 1977. He looks forward to the 40th anniversary of the commissioning.

Ed Force, a Machinist's Mate First Class (MM1) in 1970, is a plank owner with pictures from the commissioning party and crew.

Everett L. Gould, an Interior Communications Electrician Third Class (IC3) in 1973, nostalgically recalls the smell of the boat, favorite stops like Naples, and the good shipmates he served with.

John Gust, a Fire Control Technician Second Class (FTG2) in 1990, proudly remembers the Archerfish as the hottest running boat of its time.

Harp Harper, a Machinist's Mate Fireman (MMFN) in 1972, reminisces about picking up the boat in Rosi Roads and the ship's parties at Strawberry Hill.

Jim Hathaway, a Radioman Second Class (RM2) in 1979, praises the Archerfish as the best sub to qualify on and the crew as great to work and play with.

Randy Henckel, an Electronics Technician Chief (ETC) in 1988, recalls the refueling overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, sea trials, and various adventures, including the Panama Canal and Fort Lauderdale.

Jim Hite, a Torpedoman Second Class (TM2) in 1981, cherishes the friendships he made, listing several shipmates who were dear to him.

Edward Hunter, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1982, has mixed feelings about his Navy days but acknowledges the profound impact the Archerfish had on his life.

David Jodrey, a Master Chief Machinist's Mate (MMC) in 1980, enjoyed his time on the Archerfish and continued his Navy career, retiring in 2000.

Jon Jordan, a Seaman (SN) in 1985, considers his year on the Archerfish the best of his life, helping him set his career goals.

Joseph Kaare, a Master Chief Machinist's Mate (MMCM) in 1981, retired in 1996 and now works as a police officer, still maintaining the habits he developed in the Navy.

Dave Karpenko, an Electronics Technician Third Class (ET3) in 1984, transitioned to working at a nuclear plant and later became a pastor.

Al Kennedy, a Machinist's Mate First Class (MM1) in 1978, recalls the unique characters and special missions, including ICEX 79, and his subsequent career and family life.

Stan Kupka, a Machinist's Mate First Class (MM1) in 1976, values the reliance, dedication, and pride of his shipmates.

Beau Lebeau, a Sonar Technician First Class (STS1) in 1985, humorously notes his survival and the end of his marriages, offering copies of a VCR tape from ICEX 86.

Joe Ledoux, a Lieutenant in 1989, joined during the overhaul in Bremerton and left midway through the 1992 Mediterranean deployment.

Sandor Lipcsik, a Fire Control Technician Third Class (FT3) in 1995, cherishes his time on the Archerfish as the best experience of his life.

Robin McAteer, a Torpedoman Second Class (TM2) in 1976, recalls his qualification boat, the Med Cruise '77, and good friends.

Carl McLaughlin, a Torpedoman Second Class (TM2) in 1981, learned valuable lessons from Chief Tom Grove and proudly retired as a chief.

John McLaughlin, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1992, praises the camaraderie and the best people he worked with in his life.

Paul McNeill, a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) in 1979, retired in 2005 and worked as a school district administrator before moving to Detroit.

Paul Meinke, an Electronics Technician Second Class (ET2) in 1976, fondly remembers the best times of his life and the great guys he worked and partied with.

Marty Mirabal, an Interior Communications Electrician Second Class (IC2) in 1980, praises the crew and the ship, recalling many good times and memories.

Freddy Moreno, a Fireman (E-3) in 1988, enjoyed being a lookout and now works as a computer geek in Southern California.

Bill Morin, a Storekeeper Third Class (SK3) in 1970, became a storekeeper for four years after being asked if he could type.

Mike Morrison, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1978, remembers the "sewer pipe" and the crazy times, missing the people but not the job.

Charles Noble, an Electrician's Mate First Class (EM1) in 1972, recalls various runs and surveys, great fun, and great friends.

Michael O'Hare, a Lieutenant in 1978, settled in Boston, married with two girls, and manages an implementation team for a software company.

Bernie Patterson, an Electrician's Mate Second Class (EM2) in 1970, is a plank owner who worked as an electrical engineer at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation for 38 years.

Byron Pettit, a Machinist's Mate Third Class (MM3) in 1971, is a plank owner who has been selling Bobcat Loaders for 34 years.

Mike Popovich, a Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1) in 1971, is a plank owner who retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-3) and worked as a Physician Assistant with the VA.

Bryan Porth, an Electrician's Mate Second Class (EM2) in 1992, joined the reserve Seabees and recently returned from Iraq, now a Chief Electrician's Mate (CECS).

Edward Quick, a Sonar Technician (STS) in 1995, had his best tour on the Archerfish, recalling the BQN-17 bottom contour submerged through the straits.

Hank Reel, a Radioman First Class (RM1) in 1973, praises the great boat, crew, and Captain "Sam" Ward, with many memories flooding back.

Brian Schweikert, a Fire Control Technician Third Class (FTG3) in 1981, remembers the Med run and Autec, learning boats and earning his dolphins.

Jackson Shinn, a Machinist's Mate Third Class (MM3) in 1974, recalls the O2 Generator, practical jokes, and the crew members he served with.

Dale Simpson, an Interior Communications Electrician First Class (IC1) in 1976, remembers the yards at NNSY, the collision with the Philadelphia, and good friends.

Greg Sneed, a Machinist's Mate First Class (MM1) in 1983, transitioned to a firefighter paramedic and retired from the Air Guard, cherishing the great memories and experiences.

Newlee Steele, a Sonar Technician First Class (STS1) in 1975, recalls the crew turnover, northern runs, and practical jokes, earning a small but honest Physics degree.

Cary Vowels, a Machinist's Mate Second Class (MM2) in 1993, credits his time on the Archerfish for shaping who he is today, with many good memories of his shipmates.

Dexter White, a Machinist's Mate Third Class (MM3) in 1973, served under CDR R.G. Bird and CDR Sam Ward, with multiple runs and a lot of hard work.

Mike Williams, an Electrician's Mate First Class (EM1) in 1970, worked for Electric Boat and responded to the Three Mile Island accident, retiring there.

Stephen Wingard, a Machinist's Mate First Class (MM1) in 1976, questions the ship's history, recalling New London as the home port and his traffic violation.

Tom Woodruff, an Electronics Technician Third Class (ET-3) in 1985, recalls the North Pole trips, the Med run, and special operations, cherishing the times spent at sea.

Douglas Young, an Electrician's Mate First Class (EM1) in 1986, praises the Archerfish as the best and most reliable submarine, enjoying his time and the crew.

These memories collectively highlight the unique experiences, camaraderie, and lasting impact of serving aboard the USS Archerfish (SSN-678).

 

USS Archerfish SSN-678: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet

The USS Archerfish (SSN-678) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine that saw some impressive upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1971, it started with cutting-edge tech for its era, like advanced sonar and torpedoes. But as the years rolled on, the Navy knew it needed to keep up with the times. So, in the mid-1980s, Archerfish got a major overhaul. They installed the AN/BQQ-5 sonar suite, which really boosted its ability to detect and track underwater. Plus, it got the Mk 48 ADCAP torpedoes, making it a more formidable force.

Archerfish was a jack-of-all-trades, thanks to the versatile design of the Sturgeon-class. It was primarily built for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and it was darn good at it. During the Cold War, it was crucial for tracking and taking out enemy subs. Its quiet nature and advanced sonar made it a stealthy hunter. But it wasn't just about ASW. Archerfish could also handle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Gathering intel on enemy movements was a big deal, giving the U.S. Navy a strategic edge. And let's not forget, it could deploy special operations forces, making it a key player in covert missions.

Archerfish's contributions to the fleet were significant. It took part in countless exercises and operations, helping to test and refine new tactics and tech. Its involvement in fleet exercises was vital for honing anti-submarine warfare strategies and boosting the Navy's overall effectiveness. Archerfish also played a big role in maintaining a forward presence in strategic areas, deterring adversaries, and ensuring maritime security. Its ability to operate undetected in hostile waters was a powerful tool for both deterrence and direct action.

Beyond its operational achievements, Archerfish was a platform for innovation and training. The upgrades it received over the years provided valuable insights for future submarine classes. The crew's experience with advanced systems contributed to the overall readiness and skill of the submarine force. Archerfish's legacy is one of adaptability and excellence, embodying the spirit of continuous improvement and dedication to mission success that defines the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet.

 

USS Archerfish SSN-678: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations

USS Archerfish (SSN-678) was a key player in the Cold War, helping the U.S. maintain its edge on the seas. This submarine was all about stealth and strategy, taking on missions in both the Atlantic and Pacific. It was a time when tensions were high, and Archerfish was right in the thick of it, gathering intelligence and keeping an eye on Soviet subs and ships. It was all about keeping the peace and making sure the U.S. stayed ahead.

Archerfish wasn't just a bystander during the Cold War. It was actively involved, providing crucial intel that shaped U.S. naval strategies. With its top-notch sonar and stealth, it could track Soviet movements like a pro. The sub also took part in NATO exercises, working alongside allies and showing the U.S.'s commitment to collective defense. It was all about teamwork and staying prepared.

The crew's hard work didn't go unnoticed. Archerfish racked up several awards, like the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, highlighting its standout service. It also snagged the Battle Efficiency "E" award multiple times, proving its readiness and effectiveness. These honors were a nod to the sub's vital role in the fleet and its top-tier performance.

But it wasn't just about missions and awards. Archerfish was also a model of safety and technical skill. It earned the Engineering "E" award for its stellar engineering and maintenance. This focus on excellence kept Archerfish at the cutting edge of submarine tech. Its legacy is one of operational success and technical prowess, making it a standout in the U.S. Navy's submarine force.

 

USS Archerfish SSN-678 Ship Specifications

Specification	Details
Class	Sturgeon Class Submarine (Nuclear)
Commissioned	December 17, 1971
Displacement	4,193 tons
Length	302 feet
Beam	32 feet
Draft	26 feet
Speed	30+ knots
Complement	13 Officers 128 Enlisted