USS Sand Lance SSN-660
The USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine built for the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. Her keel was laid down on January 15, 1965, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. This shipyard, famous for its submarine expertise, was crucial in developing many submarines that strengthened the Navy's underwater capabilities. The Sand Lance was launched on November 11, 1969, and commissioned on September 9, 1971. Her construction showcased the advanced engineering of the time, highlighting the Navy's dedication to a powerful underwater fleet.
The USS Sand Lance got her name from a small, agile fish known as the sand lance, found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. This fish is known for its quick burrowing ability to escape predators, a fitting metaphor for a submarine designed to operate stealthily and avoid detection. The name reflects the submarine's role as a stealthy and agile hunter in the ocean's depths, ready to strike swiftly and evade countermeasures.
The Sand Lance boasted advanced sonar systems, including the BQQ-5 sonar suite, which was top-notch for its time. This technology allowed her to track enemy submarines and surface ships with impressive precision. Her teardrop-shaped hull was designed for speed and maneuverability underwater. Powered by an S5W nuclear reactor, she had virtually unlimited range and could stay submerged for long periods, a crucial advantage in submarine warfare.
The USS Sand Lance played a significant role in the Navy during the Cold War, participating in many classified missions, gathering intelligence, and maintaining a deterrent presence in strategic areas. Her operational history helped develop submarine tactics and technologies that influenced future submarines. Her service record highlights the strategic importance of attack submarines in maintaining maritime security and projecting power beneath the waves.
As part of the Sturgeon-class, the Sand Lance was designed to replace the earlier Permit-class submarines. The Sturgeon-class featured improved sonar systems, quieter operation, and enhanced weaponry, including torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. These submarines were built to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, conduct intelligence and surveillance missions, and support special operations forces. The Sand Lance, like her sister ships, was a versatile and formidable asset in the Navy's arsenal.
The commissioning of the USS Sand Lance marked the start of her active service, during which she undertook numerous missions and deployments. The commissioning ceremony on September 9, 1971, was a significant event attended by naval dignitaries, shipyard workers, and the crew's families. It symbolized the transition from a construction project to an operational warship, ready to face the challenges of the Cold War. The Sand Lance served the Navy with distinction, embodying the stealth, agility, and resilience her namesake represents.
USS Sand Lance SSN-660: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine, a class celebrated for its robust design and advanced capabilities during the Cold War. These submarines were built with high-strength steel hulls, allowing them to handle the intense pressures of deep-sea operations. The Sturgeon-class featured a teardrop-shaped hull, which was perfect for speed and maneuverability underwater. The Sand Lance was about 292 feet long and had a beam of 32 feet, striking a balance between size and stealth. Its sail, or conning tower, was streamlined to cut down on drag, helping it move quietly and efficiently beneath the waves.
Technologically, the Sand Lance was ahead of its time. It was powered by an S5W nuclear reactor, giving it virtually unlimited range and endurance. This meant it could stay submerged for long periods without needing to surface. The reactor powered a single propeller shaft, allowing the submarine to reach speeds over 20 knots while submerged. The Sand Lance 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 had electronic support measures (ESM) to intercept and analyze enemy radar and communication signals, boosting its situational awareness and stealth.
When it came to armament, the Sand Lance was a formidable opponent in underwater combat. It had four 21-inch torpedo tubes in the bow, capable of launching a variety of torpedoes, including the Mark 48 ADCAP torpedoes. These torpedoes were highly effective against both surface ships and submarines, with advanced guidance systems and powerful warheads. The Sand Lance could carry up to 26 torpedoes, giving it significant offensive power. It could also deploy Harpoon anti-ship missiles from its torpedo tubes to engage surface targets at long ranges.
The submarine's weaponry was backed by sophisticated fire control systems, ensuring accurate targeting and effective engagement of enemy threats. It was equipped with the Mark 117 fire control system, which integrated data from its sonar and other sensors to provide precise targeting solutions for its torpedoes and missiles. This system allowed the Sand Lance to engage multiple targets simultaneously and adapt to changing combat conditions. With its advanced sonar, powerful torpedoes, and effective fire control, the Sand Lance was a potent force in naval warfare, capable of a wide range of missions, from anti-submarine warfare to intelligence gathering and special operations.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning from its commissioning in 1970 to its decommissioning in the late 1990s. The guestbook posts from these sailors paint a vivid picture of life aboard this nuclear-powered submarine, highlighting the camaraderie, adventures, and personal milestones that defined their service.
**Early Years and Commissioning:** Tj Alexander and Lowell Berg were part of the commissioning crew in 1970, involved in the new construction at Portsmouth, NH. They recall the sea trials in the Caribbean and a cold patrol in the North Atlantic/Arctic Ocean. Berg, who served as an ETR2, remembers being the Reactor Operator on duty during the first incident report, a minor scram during start-up. Joseph R. Bueno, another commissioning crew member, fondly recalls the long hours in maneuvering and the strong bonds formed during those early days.
**1970s Adventures:** The 1970s were marked by various deployments and memorable experiences. Michael Bares, who served in 1973, reminisces about the great times and people, mentioning shipmates like Gene Labs and Al Kildahl. Vic Duarte, a QMC(SS) in 1973, enjoyed his time on the boat but was glad to move to shore duty. Fred Elliott, who served as a MM3/SS in 1973, shares memories of good times before the boat went to the yards in Norfolk. Michael Fischer, a MM2 in 1975, enjoyed playing ping-pong on the barge while in dry dock. Dan McGee, an ET2 in 1975, recalls playing Ace-Ducey in the ship's library and the liberty in Ft. Lauderdale and St. Croix.
**Cold War Era:** The Cold War era brought its own set of challenges and adventures. Mike Bradley, a MM2/SS in 1977, remembers the Med and North Runs during the Cold War days. Rodney Herfel, a MM2 in 1977, humorously recalls the topside watch ringing the bell as he departed. Eric Horvath, an EM2(SS) in 1977, looks back on the Med and Northern runs as some of the best years of his life. Bob Brooks, a RMCS(SS) in 1979, attended the decommissioning ceremony in Bremerton and reflects on his 22 years of service.
**1980s Deployments:** The 1980s saw a mix of deployments and personal achievements. John Alford, a SK SN (SS) in 1980, describes his time aboard as the best of his life. Anthony Barrantes, a TM2/SS in 1984, shares his journey of earning an Electrical/Electronics Engineering degree and reuniting with his childhood love. Robobro Breaux, an ET1/SS in 1985, retired from SSBN 731G and now works at a nuclear plant in Florida. Dale Brickman, a FTG2 in 1985, fondly remembers the years spent on the boat as the best time of his life. Kenneth Denney, a CSC(SS) in 1987, recalls the excitement of the UNITAS deployment.
**1990s and Decommissioning:** The 1990s brought new challenges and transitions. John Arch, a LT in 1990, highlights the UNITAS deployment and mentions the Smithsonian exhibit featuring the 660's Maneuvering. Chris Brannan, an EM2/SS in 1993, shares his journey of marriage and fatherhood while working at Ark Nuclear One. David Jarmoluk, a MM2/SS in 1994, reflects on his career in the IT field and his academic achievements. Mark Boothe, an ET2(SS) in 1995, humorously notes the short racks and shares updates on his family and career in the semiconductor field. Jimmy Briscoe, an E4/SK in 1997, describes his progression to becoming the NAV on an Aegis Cruiser in Norfolk.
**Personal Milestones and Reflections:** Many crew members share personal milestones and reflections on their time aboard the Sand Lance. Dave Auld, an E4 in 1995, transitioned to a career in computer programming and now owns a restaurant in Pittsburgh. Tim Barada, a MM1 SS/DV in 1974, takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling the shipmates and experiences from 30 years ago. Michael Cape, an ETCS/SS in 1991, fondly remembers the UNITAS deployment and the camaraderie of the crew. Kenneth Durrance, an ET (NO RM)3/SS in 1996, reflects on being the last person with the command and his current life as a civilian.
**Legacy and Brotherhood:** The legacy of the USS Sand Lance is evident in the strong bonds and lasting friendships formed during service. Many crew members express a desire to reconnect with old shipmates and share updates on their lives post-service. The memories shared in the guestbook posts highlight the unique experiences and deep sense of brotherhood that defined their time aboard the Sand Lance.
In summary, the USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) served as a vessel of adventure, camaraderie, and personal growth for its crew members. From its commissioning in 1970 to its decommissioning in the late 1990s, the submarine left an indelible mark on the lives of those who served aboard, creating a legacy of shared memories and lifelong friendships.
USS Sand Lance SSN-660: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine that saw some impressive upgrades during its time. Commissioned in 1969, 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 1980s, the Sand Lance got a major overhaul. They installed the AN/BQQ-5 sonar suite, which really boosted its ability to detect and track underwater targets. Plus, they added the Mk 48 ADCAP torpedoes, giving it a serious punch in combat.
The Sand Lance was a jack-of-all-trades when it came to missions. 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 stealth and top-notch sonar let it slip through hostile waters, gathering intel and backing up surface fleets. But it wasn't just about ASW. The Sand Lance could also take on enemy ships with its torpedoes in anti-surface warfare (ASuW). And let's not forget its role in special operations, like deploying Navy SEALs for secret missions. This sub was all about versatility.
The USS Sand Lance made a big impact on the US Navy. It took part in countless exercises and operations, both solo and with larger groups. Its intel-gathering skills were a huge asset during the Cold War, providing key insights into Soviet naval activities. The Sand Lance's stealth made it a powerhouse in contested waters, helping keep the seas secure. It also played a part in joint exercises with allied navies, boosting international cooperation and making the US Navy even more effective worldwide.
All in all, the USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) was a shining example of how Sturgeon-class submarines could evolve and adapt. Its advanced sonar and weaponry kept it at the forefront of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Its flexibility allowed it to handle special ops and gather intelligence. The Sand Lance's legacy is all about its crucial role in Cold War surveillance and joint naval exercises, highlighting the importance of tech advancement and strategic versatility in naval warfare.
USS Sand Lance SSN-660: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Sand Lance (SSN-660) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine that made a big impact during its time in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1969, it was a key player in Cold War operations. The Sand Lance often found itself in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, conducting surveillance and gathering intelligence. These missions were vital for keeping an eye on Soviet naval activities and protecting NATO allies. With its advanced sonar and stealth, the Sand Lance was a crucial asset in these tense environments.
Throughout its service, the Sand Lance took part in several major military exercises. It was involved in NATO exercises that boosted cooperation and readiness among allied forces. These drills often mimicked complex warfare scenarios, ensuring the crew was prepared for real-world conflicts. The submarine's ability to stay undetected was a huge advantage, allowing it to gather critical intelligence and support surface fleet operations.
The USS Sand Lance's service didn't go unnoticed. It earned numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, recognizing the crew's outstanding performance. The submarine also received the Battle Efficiency "E" multiple times, highlighting its operational excellence and the crew's skill in maintaining top-notch readiness. These honors underscored the Sand Lance's significant contributions to national security and its role as a powerful part of the Navy's submarine force.
Beyond its operational success, the Sand Lance was known for fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among its crew. The demanding missions required skill and teamwork, and the crew's ability to work together was key to their success. The Sand Lance's legacy is marked not only by its strategic achievements but also by the lasting bonds formed among its sailors. It holds a special place in Navy history, remembered for its dedication to duty and its role in protecting national interests during a critical time in global affairs.
USS Sand Lance SSN-660 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Sturgeon Class Submarine (Nuclear) |
| Commissioned | September 25, 1971 |
| Displacement | 4,640 tons |
| Length | 292 feet |
| Beam | 32 feet |
| Draft | 26 feet |
| Speed | 30+ knots |
| Complement | 13 Officers 128 Enlisted |