110909-N-OV802-222 NORFOLK (Sept.9, 2011) The Virginia-class submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) California (SSN 781) gets underway from Naval Station Norfolk to conduct weapons systems acceptance trials. California is the eighth Virginia-class submarine and is scheduled to be commissioned Oct. 29. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Jamieson/Released)
Happy Birthday, U.S. Submarine Force! Celebrating 112 Years of Undersea Dominance
By Lt. Hayley Sims, Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- The submarine force was born April 11, 1900 when the U.S. Navy bought the submersible Holland VI from John Holland.
Since that historic day, undersea warfighters and submarines have used fortitude and creativity to sustain their superiority beneath the sea and develop the force into the indispensable asset that patrols world-wide today.
As submariners celebrate their birthday around the world this month, they will honor the heroes on eternal patrol and those who have served past and present.
Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, understands the value of submariners.
"For 112 years, the broad military advantages created by undersea concealment have resulted in a wide range of undersea platforms and missions that have enhanced our national security," said Rear Adm. Caldwell. "Throughout history, what has remained constant is the bold character of submariners."
Throughout the last 11 decades, submariners have advanced through four generations. The first generation produced fleet boats with the speed, endurance, weapons and payload that would make the submarine a warfighting platform. The second generation, defined by World War II heroes, made a decisive difference in the war and dominated the seas which set high standards of performance. The third generation of undersea warfare during the Cold War was defined by the advent of nuclear power - in weapons and propulsion. This advanced technology prevented a nuclear world war and secured the nation's interests.
The current generation of submariners, Generation IV, is being defined by the increase of long-range precision sensors and weapons. Today's submariners stay ahead of these threats and work hard to preserve their superiority in the undersea environment with the help of the "Design for Undersea Warfare" a guiding document which articulates how undersea warfighters provide "Ready Forces, Effective Employment, and Future Forces."
Vice Adm. John M. Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces, recognizes the hard, outstanding work of submariners and their families.
"I am incredibly proud of each and every member of the undersea warfare team, including our families who sacrifice along with us," said Vice Adm. Richardson. "Just as earlier generations did before us, we fourth generation undersea warriors will be ready to surge to any crisis - first to arrive and last to leave. Let it always be a comforting reassurance to our friends and the worst nightmare for our enemies to know that the U.S. Submarine Force is on the job."
Today's submarine force consists of 53 attack, 14 ballistic-missile and four guided-missile submarines that enable the Navy and the nation to win wars, deter wars, defeat terrorists, and ease disasters.
Happy birthday U.S. Submarine Force and congratulations on 112 years of rich success running silent through history and running deep into the future.
