USS Ray SSN-653
The USS Ray (SSN-653) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine built for the United States Navy during the Cold War. Her keel was laid down on January 4, 1965, at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, a shipyard famous for crafting naval vessels. She was launched on June 21, 1966, and commissioned on April 12, 1967. The construction showcased the cutting-edge technology and materials of the era.
Named after two naval officers, Captain Charles W. Ray and his son, Lieutenant Charles W. Ray Jr., the submarine honored their service. Captain Ray served in World War I, and Lieutenant Ray Jr., a naval aviator, lost his life in World War II. The USS Ray carried their legacy of dedication and bravery into her missions.
The USS Ray boasted advanced sonar and weapons systems for her time. Equipped with the BQQ-5 sonar suite, she had superior detection capabilities and carried torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. Her teardrop-shaped hull enhanced speed and maneuverability underwater, making her a formidable asset in the Navy's fleet.
Throughout her service, the USS Ray played a vital role in Cold War operations. She participated in intelligence-gathering missions, surveillance, and training exercises. Her contributions were invaluable, providing critical information and maintaining a presence in key areas. The USS Ray's service record highlights the effectiveness and reliability of Sturgeon-class submarines.
As part of the Sturgeon-class, the USS Ray was designed for anti-submarine warfare. This class evolved from the Thresher/Permit-class, with improvements in stealth and sonar capabilities. These submarines were crucial for detecting and engaging enemy submarines, ensuring US naval security and strategic advantage during the Cold War.
The commissioning of the USS Ray marked the start of a nearly three-decade-long career. She was assigned to various fleet commands and took part in numerous deployments and exercises. The commissioning ceremony at Newport News shipyard was attended by naval dignitaries and crew families, symbolizing the beginning of her journey. Throughout her service, the USS Ray exemplified the strength, resilience, and technological prowess of the Sturgeon-class submarines.
USS Ray SSN-653: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Ray (SSN-653) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine, a class celebrated for its solid design and cutting-edge technology during the Cold War. Built with high-strength steel, it could handle the intense pressures of deep-sea missions. The Sturgeon-class had a teardrop-shaped hull, which cut down on drag and boosted speed and agility underwater. The USS Ray was about 292 feet long and had a beam of 31 feet, offering plenty of room for its crew and systems. Inside, it was divided into compartments with watertight doors to keep it safe if the hull was breached.
Tech-wise, the USS Ray was loaded with top-notch systems for navigation, communication, and sonar. It had the AN/BQQ-5 sonar suite, featuring both active and passive sonar, which let it detect and track enemy ships with precision. Its navigation systems were ahead of their time, using inertial navigation systems (INS) for accurate positioning, even when submerged for long stretches. The Ray also had advanced electronic warfare systems to intercept and jam enemy communications, boosting its stealth and effectiveness.
When it came to weapons, the USS Ray was armed to the teeth. It had four 21-inch torpedo tubes at the bow, ready to launch Mark 48 torpedoes, some of the most advanced of their era. These torpedoes had wire-guidance and active/passive homing, making them deadly against both surface ships and submarines. The Ray could also fire Harpoon anti-ship missiles, giving it long-range strike power against surface targets.
But the Ray's arsenal didn't stop at torpedoes and missiles. It could lay mines too, adding another layer to its combat capabilities. It could carry and deploy Mark 60 CAPTOR mines, designed to autonomously detect and attack enemy submarines. This diverse weapon suite made the USS Ray a formidable force in naval warfare, ready for missions ranging from anti-submarine warfare to surface ship attacks and mine-laying. With its advanced tech, sturdy build, and versatile weapons, the USS Ray was a vital part of the US Navy's submarine fleet throughout its service.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Ray (SSN-653) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, as evidenced by the heartfelt posts in its guestbook. These recollections span decades and paint a vivid picture of life aboard the submarine, highlighting camaraderie, challenging missions, and the indelible impact of their service.
Doug Azevedo, who served as an ETCS/SS in 1987, fondly recalls a surprise visit from his shipmates Doug, Mike, Stu, Henry, Brian, and Chris in August 2010, expressing his love and appreciation for them. Roy Berry, a MMCS(SS) in 1984, reminisces about a tough yard period and a challenging northern run, emphasizing the hard-working nature of the fast attack crew and his long Navy career of 27 years.
Jeffery Coleman, a MSC/SS in 1985, reaches out to former shipmates, including Captain Lawless and Kevin Roberts, and expresses his eagerness to reconnect with others like Jimmy Gates and Dave Fish. Elliott Del Aguila, who served as a STS in 1980, cherishes the great times and adventures, praising the senior chief and the overall crew, despite a few exceptions.
Richard Foster, a STS2(SS) in 1984, credits his command advancement to the support of his fellow sonarmen and torpedomen, expressing his hope that they are all well. John Grunwell, a STS1(SS) in 1969, recalls reporting on board just before a change of command and the Ray's first Northern Operation.
William Hardin, a MM1/SS LELT in 1978, humorously remembers Lt. Moose and the crew's resilience under Captain Dunsel, while Smitty Joel Smith, a MM1 SS in 1982, fondly recalls the "A gang" and his good friends, including torpedoman Gracie and sonar man Phil Vaubel.
Robert Kinney, a plank owner and MM1(SS) in 1966, shares his fond memories of the boat and his shipmates, noting his current residence near Lincolnton, GA. Drew Mullin, a LT in 1988, reflects on his vivid memories of the "Mighty Ray" and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to serve with such a remarkable crew.
Charles Nash, a MM3/SS in 1981, praises the "A gang" as one of the best groups of mechanics he ever worked with, mentioning several shipmates by name. Russell Newman, a MM2/SS in 1985, describes his time on the Ray as one of the best periods of his life, expressing a deep desire to serve again with his fantastic shipmates.
Jim Null, an EMCM(SS) in 1983, reflects on his time as Chief of the Boat, expressing a desire to reconnect with survivors from that era and his efforts to protect the crew. George Pannell, a ET1SS in 1970, recounts a harrowing experience during a crash back test after a shipyard overhaul, which left the submarine at a 45-degree down angle at 1000 feet.
Dennis Dio Parker, a ET1(SS) in 1985, details his promotion and various missions, including ICEX-86, Northern Wedding-86, and multiple trips to Puerto Rico, St. Croix, Scotland, and England. James Roberts, a MM3 in 1983, seeks to reconnect with his shipmates and questions why his name is not on the crew list.
Matthew Sester, a RM2 in 1989, shares that he is still in the Navy, now at Special Boat Team Twelve in Coronado, CA, and plans to stay until he is forced out. Stewart Smith, a EM2 SS in 1972, praises the intelligence and character of his fellow crew members, noting that his Navy experience shaped his life and career as a master electrician.
Finally, Richard Van Remmen II, a QMSN in 1989, recalls being assigned just before Hurricane Hugo and surviving the 1989-90 Mediterranean run, humorously dubbed the "Cancelled Port Tour."
These memories collectively highlight the strong bonds, shared experiences, and lasting impact of serving aboard the USS Ray (SSN-653), reflecting a deep sense of pride and camaraderie among its former crew members.
USS Ray SSN-653: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Ray (SSN-653) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine that saw some impressive upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1967, it started with top-notch sonar and torpedo systems. But as tech moved forward, so did the Ray. In the late '70s and early '80s, it got a major boost with the AN/BQQ-5 sonar suite. This upgrade made it a lot better at detecting and tracking underwater targets. The fire control systems were also updated to handle the latest torpedoes and cruise missiles, keeping the Ray a powerful player in the Navy's lineup.
The Ray's missions grew alongside its tech. Initially built for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, it soon took on roles in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. With its upgraded sonar and electronic warfare systems, the Ray could work in all sorts of environments, from deep oceans to coastal areas. It could even deploy and recover special operations forces, making it perfect for secret missions. The addition of Tomahawk cruise missiles meant it could hit land targets with precision, expanding its strategic reach.
Throughout its service, the Ray was a key player in the fleet and national security. During the Cold War, it was crucial in tracking Soviet submarines and gathering intelligence that shaped U.S. naval strategies. Its stealth and advanced sonar let it slip through hostile waters undetected, giving the U.S. an edge in underwater warfare. The Ray also joined in many joint exercises with allied navies, boosting cooperation and strengthening international maritime ties. Its presence in strategic areas acted as a deterrent, highlighting the need for a strong submarine force.
The legacy of the USS Ray is all about adaptability and long-lasting service. Over nearly three decades, it showed the importance of keeping up with tech and being strategically versatile. The upgrades it received kept it relevant in a world that was always changing, ready to face new threats. The Ray's impact wasn't just in its missions but also in the advancements in submarine tech and tactics it helped pioneer. As a testament to the U.S. Navy's ingenuity and resilience, the USS Ray (SSN-653) stands as a symbol of the silent service's commitment to excellence and national defense.
USS Ray SSN-653: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Ray (SSN-653), a Sturgeon-class attack submarine, was a key player in the U.S. Navy's underwater operations during its active years. Commissioned in 1967, Ray embarked on numerous missions that highlighted its strategic importance during the Cold War. It often found itself in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, conducting surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations. These missions were crucial for monitoring Soviet naval activities and ensuring the security of NATO allies. With its advanced sonar and stealth capabilities, Ray was an invaluable asset in these high-stakes environments.
Throughout its service, USS Ray was involved in several significant operations. While it didn't directly participate in the Vietnam War, it played a vital role during the Cold War, engaging in numerous covert operations that remain classified. Its presence in contested waters acted as a deterrent to potential adversaries, showcasing the United States' commitment to maintaining a strong underwater defense.
Ray's exemplary service didn't go unnoticed. Over its operational life, the submarine received several awards and commendations, highlighting its contributions to national security. Among these honors were the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, recognizing Ray's exceptional performance and dedication. The crew was also celebrated for their professionalism and skill, earning accolades like the Battle Efficiency "E" award, given to units demonstrating the highest standards of combat readiness and operational excellence.
Beyond formal awards, USS Ray earned the respect and admiration of its peers and superiors. Its successful missions and unwavering commitment set a high standard for other vessels in the fleet. Ray's legacy is a testament to the capabilities and resilience of the U.S. Navy's submarine force. Its storied history inspires future generations of submariners, who continue to uphold the traditions of excellence and service exemplified by USS Ray (SSN-653).
USS Ray SSN-653 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Sturgeon Class Submarine (Nuclear) |
| Commissioned | April 12, 1967 |
| Displacement | 4,640 tons |
| Length | 292 feet |
| Beam | 32 feet |
| Draft | 26 feet |
| Speed | 30+ knots |
| Complement | 13 Officers 128 Enlisted |