USS Pogy SSN-647

The USS Pogy (SSN-647) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine built for the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. Her keel was laid on May 5, 1964, at the Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on June 3, 1967, and commissioned on November 15, 1969. The Pogy was part of a strategic push to boost the Navy's underwater capabilities against the Soviet Union. Her construction featured cutting-edge technology and materials, showcasing the best of naval engineering at the time.

Named after the Pogy, a fish also known as menhaden found along North America's Atlantic coast, the submarine continued the tradition of naming subs after marine creatures. This name choice highlighted her stealth and agility. It also honored the first USS Pogy (SS-266), a Gato-class submarine that served with distinction in World War II, linking the new vessel to a proud legacy.

The USS Pogy boasted advanced sonar and weapons systems, designed to detect and engage enemy submarines and surface ships. She was equipped with the BQQ-5 sonar suite, offering superior underwater detection. Armed with Mark 48 torpedoes and Harpoon missiles, the Pogy was a formidable force in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Her nuclear propulsion system allowed high-speed operations and extended submerged missions, enhancing her stealth and range.

The Pogy's legacy in the Navy is significant. She played a crucial role in various operations and exercises, often gathering intelligence in hostile waters to monitor Soviet naval activities. Her contributions to submarine warfare tactics and technology were invaluable, influencing future submarine classes. The Pogy demonstrated the effectiveness of nuclear-powered attack submarines in maintaining maritime security during the Cold War.

As part of the Sturgeon-class, the Pogy was one of 37 submarines designed for missions like anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations. The Sturgeon-class improved upon the earlier Thresher/Permit-class with better quieting technologies, sonar systems, and weapons. These submarines were key to countering the growing Soviet submarine threat in the 1960s and 1970s, ensuring the security of sea lines of communication.

The commissioning of the USS Pogy on November 15, 1969, marked the start of a distinguished career spanning over two decades. The ceremony was a significant event, attended by naval dignitaries, shipyard workers, and crew families. It symbolized the culmination of hard work and dedication, as well as the beginning of the Pogy's journey as a vital fleet asset. Throughout her service, the USS Pogy exemplified resilience, innovation, and excellence, leaving a lasting mark on U.S. Navy history.

 

USS Pogy SSN-647: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry

The USS Pogy (SSN-647) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine, a class celebrated for its robust and versatile design. It measured 292 feet in length with a beam of 32 feet, making it a compact yet efficient platform for various naval operations. Built with high-strength steel, the hull could withstand the immense pressures of deep-sea missions. Its streamlined shape reduced hydrodynamic drag, boosting speed and maneuverability underwater. The sail, or conning tower, housed sensors and periscopes and was reinforced to handle the stresses of surfacing through polar ice.

Technologically, the USS Pogy was ahead of its time. It was powered by an S5W nuclear reactor, offering virtually unlimited range and endurance, allowing it to stay submerged for long periods. This reactor powered two steam turbines connected to a single propeller shaft, enabling the submarine to reach impressive speeds while submerged. The Pogy was equipped with advanced sonar systems, including the BQQ-5 passive sonar and the BQS-13 active sonar, which helped it detect and track enemy vessels with precision. It also featured sophisticated electronic warfare systems to intercept and jam enemy communications and radar signals.

When it came to armament, the USS Pogy was a formidable adversary. It had four 21-inch torpedo tubes in the bow, capable of launching various torpedoes, including the Mark 48, known for its speed and accuracy. These tubes could also deploy UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, giving the Pogy a strong surface strike capability. Its weapons control system was highly automated, allowing for rapid targeting and firing solutions, crucial in high-stakes combat scenarios. The Pogy's armament was designed to engage and neutralize a wide range of threats, from enemy submarines to surface ships.

The USS Pogy's weaponry was complemented by its countermeasures and defensive systems. It was equipped with the Mark 2 torpedo decoy system, which could deploy acoustic decoys to confuse incoming torpedoes and enhance survivability. Additionally, the Pogy featured an advanced fire control system that integrated data from its sonar and other sensors to provide real-time situational awareness and threat assessment. This system allowed the crew to make informed decisions quickly, whether engaging an enemy or evading detection. The combination of offensive and defensive capabilities made the USS Pogy a versatile and resilient asset in the US Navy's submarine fleet.

 

Crew Accounts of Time Aboard

The USS Pogy (SSN-647) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and camaraderie. The recollections shared by these sailors paint a vivid picture of life aboard this submarine, highlighting both the challenges and the deep bonds formed during their time at sea.

Thomas Andrews, who served in 1971 and 1972, fondly recalls making great friends and praises the exceptional XO he served under. He also mentions meeting a peculiar character named Uncle Hymie and enjoying the submarine maneuvers known as "angles and dangles."

Don Bishop, an ET1 SS in 1971, recounts a harrowing incident where the Pogy hit an underwater mountain in the Sea of Japan, causing significant damage. Despite the mishap, he cherishes the time spent in Guam during repairs and his role as an informal chaplain, leading Bible studies and Christmas music sessions.

Paul Bouchard, who served in 1997, affectionately refers to the Pogy as an "old pig" that always brought the crew home safely. He expresses pride in the people he served with and the times they shared.

Ken Boysen, an EM3/SS in 1987, had mixed feelings about his time on the Pogy. While he met many good people and saw great places, his dislike for the submarine led him to pursue an NROTC scholarship to leave a year early. He eventually left the Navy in 1998 and now works as a Director of Construction.

Edward Brown, an ET1 (SS) in 1976, shares a personal story of being in an auto accident that led to a lengthy hospital stay and subsequent transfer to shore duty. He now resides in Phoenix and is interested in reconnecting with old friends.

Edward Burkhart, who served in 1985, reminisces about the good times with his fellow ETs and the memorable liberty in Chinhae during WestPac deployments.

Wayne Carlson, an EM1 (SS) who served two tours from 1972-1978, speaks highly of the friendships he made and the pride he felt in qualifying on his only boat. He also mentions the loss of a fellow sailor, David Hackbert, in the 1990s.

Chad Clothier, a QM2(SS) in 1977, feels fortunate to have served on the Pogy, praising the professionalism and camaraderie of the crew.

Dan Cooper, an IC in 1990, reflects on the mix of good and bad memories, ultimately feeling that life is good with his family.

David Cox, an ET2 in 1987, misses his time on the Pogy and the camaraderie with his shipmates, despite moving on to a career as an instructor at a power plant.

Pete Cueva, a MM1(SS) in 1979, fondly remembers the times spent with the "A" gang and the entire crew during their stints in Pearl Harbor and Mare Island Shipyard.

Sid Ellegard, an ETR2 (SS) in 1972, takes pride in the work they did on the Pogy, recalling the dropping periscope and the underwater mountain incident.

Robert England, an ET2/SS in 1977, considers the Pogy his first submarine and holds it in high regard compared to the newer submarines he served on later.

Greg Enterline, an EM1-SS in 1972, reminisces about the colorful characters and memorable events, including a jam dive.

Steve Francis, a MM2/SS/DV in 1988, lists numerous shipmates he remembers fondly, highlighting the strong connections formed during his service.

Chuck Gibson, a TM2(SS) in 1969, recalls being the first seaman to report aboard and experiencing significant events like the periscope fall and the mountain collision.

James Hendrix, a FTCS(SS) in 1994, praises the Pogy as the best fast attack submarine in the Pacific Fleet, commending the crew and leadership.

Harvey L Hudson, a RMC(SS) in 1980, speaks highly of the RM gang and the hard work they put in, which earned them the Battle C.

Tank Isenhart, a FTG1/SS in 1986, cherishes the best times with his shipmates and shares that he and his wife are still happily married.

Neal Johansen, a MM2(SS) in 1979, considers his time on the Pogy one of the best periods of his life, praising the men he served with.

Marty Johnson, a HM1 in 1977, enjoyed his job and the time spent on the Pogy, even as they took the submarine into the shipyard in Vallejo, CA.

Garry Kernan, a MM1/SS in 1995, regards the Pogy as his favorite boat, noting the tight-knit and hardworking crew.

Michael King, an ETN2 in 1971, recalls the mountain and periscope incidents and the hydraulic system failure near his bunk.

Daniel Lawson, a MS3(SS) in 1988, learned valuable life lessons from the crew, which continue to serve him well.

Kevin Lea, a NUKE MM2 in 1976, stumbled upon the site while showing his grandson pictures of his submarine, expressing a desire to reconnect with those he served with.

Howard Lindgren, an ET1 SS in 1970, looks back on his time on the Pogy as some of the best times of his life, filled with good friends.

William Lockert, a CTTCM in 1974, shares a humorous memory of hitting the captain with a pie during Spook Night and painting a racing stripe on the sail.

Hubert Lucy, a RM2 (SS) in 1982, fondly remembers his time on the Pogy and the people he worked with, including RMC Hudson and PO Chapin.

Kelly Magin, an ET2/SS in 1990, feels honored to have served under CMDR Fry and LCMDR Leidig, earning his dolphins on the Pogy.

Michael Mauldin, an ET2(SS) in 1995, reflects on the challenges and the camaraderie, noting that the boat seemed to be trying to kill them.

Pete Merayo, a QM3 in 1972, has vivid memories of his time on the Pogy, despite having to leave sub service due to medical reasons.

Joe Metzger, a MMCS(SS) in 1985, acknowledges the hard work and long hours but appreciates the good people he worked with.

Jim Mock, a QM3 in 1971, recalls the sea trials and the 1972 WestPac cruise, including the uncharted underwater mountain incident.

Marc Moyer, a TMSN in 1991, has a mix of good and bad memories, with shore leave in New Caledonia standing out as a highlight.

Theodore Nixon, a MM1 (SS) in 1971, reflects on the great shipmates he served with, despite occasional disagreements.

Patrick Parnell, a HMC (SS), praises the leadership of Wil Frye and Joe Leidig, resulting in the best crew he ever served with.

Charles Pelfrey, a MM3 (SS) in 1977, cherishes the best times of his life and remains great friends with JP McNabb and Greg Rowe.

Eric Pierce, a YNC(SS) in 1995, considers the Pogy's crew the best he ever served with, missing the outstanding morale and camaraderie.

Ray Potts, a ETN2(SS)/CTM2(SS) in 1977, fondly remembers the WestPac '78 and the honor of serving with many Sturgeon Class Sailors.

Al Salazar, a MM2 SS in 1972, recalls the good times and great people he met on the Pogy, enjoying liberty in Hawaii, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

Neil Scheuerlein, an EM1 (SS) in 1978, reflects on the long days and great memories, valuing the experience despite its challenges.

Robert Scott, a FTG2 in 1978, acknowledges the hard work and respect for lifers, joining the boat in Guam and participating in WestPac '78.

Thomas Smith, a MM1/SS NUKE in 1985, appreciates the good people he worked with, despite not enjoying the environment.

Bill Smith, a STS2(SS) in 1973, looks back on the Pogy as the best part of his 32-year Navy career, despite serving on multiple other vessels.

Eric Sorensen, a HM1 in 1971, recalls the excitement of the first WestPac run and the incidents with the periscope and underwater mountain.

Dan Spohn, a MM2 in 1977, remembers the good times and thanks his shipmates for the memories.

Bill Stalter, a MM2 (SS) in 1978, cherishes the great times and friends made during his service.

Cecil Stoffregen, a MM3 (SS) in 1984, appreciates the hard work and guidance from his superiors, despite the dangers of the job.

Brent Svedarsky, a MMC in 1994, feels proud to be a "Pogster," valuing the hard work and camaraderie of the crew.

Vic Webb, a YN3/SS in 1990, looks back on his time with fondness, proud to have served with his shipmates.

Rodney Wells, a MMCM(SS) in 1992, considers the Pogy one of the best commands he served on, praising the skippers, crew, and Chief's Mess.

Marty Willis, a RMC(SS) in 1992, echoes the sentiment, declaring the Pogy the finest ship in the fleet and reminiscing about the best WestPac ever.

These memories collectively highlight the unique experiences, strong bonds, and lasting impact of serving aboard the USS Pogy (SSN-647).

 

USS Pogy SSN-647: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet

The USS Pogy (SSN-647) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine that saw some impressive upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1971, it started with top-notch sonar, navigation, and weapons systems. But as tech evolved, so did the Pogy. In the mid-1980s, it got the AN/BQQ-5 sonar system, boosting its underwater detection and tracking. It was also fitted with the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) system, letting it hit surface targets from afar with precision. This upgrade expanded its strategic reach significantly.

The Pogy's mission capabilities were quite diverse. Originally built for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), it was excellent at tracking and neutralizing enemy subs, a crucial job during the Cold War. With the TLAM system, its role grew to include land-attack missions, making it a versatile asset. It was also equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, using its advanced sonar and electronic warfare systems to gather vital intel on enemy movements. These capabilities made the Pogy a key player in the U.S. Navy's lineup.

The USS Pogy made substantial contributions to the fleet. It took part in many critical operations, including covert intelligence-gathering missions and joint exercises with allies. Its ability to operate undetected in hostile waters gave the U.S. Navy a strategic edge, allowing for vital intelligence collection and surprise attacks when needed. The Pogy's involvement in fleet exercises helped refine anti-submarine warfare tactics and improve teamwork with other naval units. These efforts were crucial in maintaining the U.S. Navy's undersea dominance and securing maritime interests.

Beyond its operational successes, the USS Pogy played a big role in advancing submarine tech and tactics. The lessons from its missions informed the development of later submarine classes like the Los Angeles and Virginia classes. The Pogy's successful integration of new tech and mission capabilities set a standard for future upgrades across the fleet. By adapting to new threats and tech advancements, the USS Pogy showed the dynamic and forward-thinking nature of the U.S. Navy, ensuring its continued relevance in a changing global security landscape.

 

USS Pogy SSN-647: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations

The USS Pogy (SSN-647), a Sturgeon-class attack submarine, was a powerhouse of innovation and adaptability. Commissioned in 1971, it was initially outfitted with cutting-edge sonar, navigation, and weapons systems. But as technology marched on, so did the Pogy. In the mid-1980s, it got a major boost with the AN/BQQ-5 sonar system, which took its underwater detection to a whole new level. The addition of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) system was a game-changer, letting the Pogy strike targets on land with pinpoint accuracy from far away.

The Pogy's mission capabilities were as varied as they were vital. Originally built for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), it excelled at hunting down enemy subs during the tense Cold War years. But with the TLAM system, its role expanded to include land-attack missions, making it a versatile force. It wasn't just about combat, though. The Pogy was also a key player in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, using its advanced systems to gather crucial intel on enemy movements. This made it an invaluable asset in the Navy's toolkit.

The Pogy's contributions to the fleet were nothing short of remarkable. It took part in critical operations, from covert intelligence missions to joint exercises with allies. Its stealthy operations in hostile waters gave the U.S. Navy a strategic edge, allowing for surprise attacks and vital intelligence collection. The Pogy also played a big role in refining anti-submarine warfare tactics and improving teamwork with other naval units. These efforts were crucial in keeping the U.S. Navy at the forefront of undersea warfare.

Beyond its operational successes, the Pogy was a trailblazer in submarine technology and tactics. The insights gained from its missions helped shape future submarine classes like the Los Angeles and Virginia classes. The Pogy's knack for integrating new technologies set the standard for future upgrades across the fleet. By staying ahead of emerging threats and embracing new tech, the USS Pogy embodied the U.S. Navy's forward-thinking spirit, ensuring its continued strength in a rapidly changing world.

 

USS Pogy SSN-647 Ship Specifications

Specification	Details
Class	Sturgeon Class Submarine (Nuclear)
Commissioned	May 15, 1971
Displacement	4,640 tons
Length	292 feet
Beam	32 feet
Draft	26 feet
Speed	30+ knots
Complement	13 Officers 128 Enlisted