The Flickr Nuclearsubmarine Image Generatr

HMS Vanguard is shown heading from Loch Long to her 'home' at the Royal Navy (RN) submarine base at Faslane, on Gare Loch. This was following an apparent 204 day deterrence patrol in the North Atlantic.

When HMS Vanguard entered UK waters and surfaced prior to coming up the Clyde, the head of the RN, Admiral Sir Ben Key, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the UK defence secretary, John Healey, boarded the vessel for a first visit by a serving prime minister to a nuclear submarine since 2013. By the time I took the above, Starmer and Healey had left Vanguard via the SD Omagh.

Vanguard-class boats were originally intended to patrol for no longer than 90 days at a time. However, with one of the four undergoing an extended and over-scheduled refit, ensuring the UK's nuclear deterrence is maintained by having at least one of these at sea at all times means patrols must be longer than planned. Political indecision resulting in delays in the design and building of the replacement Dreadnought-class of ballistic missile submarines will probably result in patrols being even longer in the coming years.

www.michaelleek.co.uk

Surrounded by RN and RM security, and police protection, HMS Vanguard is shown in Loch Long following an apparent 204 day deterrence patrol in the North Atlantic.

When HMS Vanguard entered UK waters and surfaced prior to coming up the Clyde, the head of the RN, Admiral Sir Ben Key, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the UK defence secretary, John Healey, boarded the vessel for a first visit by a serving prime minister to a nuclear submarine since 2013. The photo above shows the SD Omagh alongside HMS Vanguard to pick up the Admiral, the prime minister and the defence secretary.

Vanguard-class boats were originally intended to patrol for no longer than 90 days at a time. However, with one of the four undergoing an extended and over-scheduled refit, ensuring the UK's nuclear deterrence is maintained by having at least one of these at sea at all times means patrols must be longer than planned. Political indecision resulting in delays in the design and building of the replacement Dreadnought-class of ballistic missile submarines will probably result in patrols being even longer in the coming years.

www.michaelleek.co.uk

HMS Vanguard is shown heading up the Firth of Clyde following an apparent 204 day extended deterrence patrol in the North Atlantic.

When HMS Vanguard entered UK waters and surfaced prior to coming up the Clyde, the head of the RN, Admiral Sir Ben Key (his flag is flying alongside the White Ensign on the conning tower), the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the UK defence secretary, John Healey, boarded the vessel for a first visit by a serving prime minister to a nuclear submarine since 2013.

Vanguard-class boats were originally intended to patrol for no longer than 90 days at a time. However, with one of the four undergoing an extended and late-scheduled refit, ensuring the UK's nuclear deterrence is maintained by having at least one of these at sea at all times means patrols must be longer than planned. Political indecision resulting in delays in the design and building of the replacement Dreadnought-class of ballistic missile submarines will probably result in patrols being even longer in the coming years.

The boat in the right foreground is the RNMB Salamander.

Photo taken from Strone, on the Holy Loch.

www.michaelleek.co.uk

HMS Vanguard is shown heading from Loch Long to her 'home' at the Royal Navy (RN) submarine base at Faslane, on Gare Loch. This was following an apparent 204 day deterrence patrol in the North Atlantic.

When HMS Vanguard entered UK waters and surfaced prior to coming up the Clyde, the head of the RN, Admiral Sir Ben Key, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the UK defence secretary, John Healey, boarded the vessel for a first visit by a serving prime minister to a nuclear submarine since 2013. By the time I took the above, Starmer and Healey had left Vanguard via the SD Omagh.

Vanguard-class boats were originally intended to patrol for no longer than 90 days at a time. However, with one of the four undergoing an extended and over-scheduled refit, ensuring the UK's nuclear deterrence is maintained by having at least one of these at sea at all times means patrols must be longer than planned. Political indecision resulting in delays in the design and building of the replacement Dreadnought-class of ballistic missile submarines will probably result in patrols being even longer in the coming years.

www.michaelleek.co.uk

www.michaelleek.co.uk

This photograph shows the S1W nuclear reactor, a land-based prototype power plant located in the Naval Reactors Facility at the National Reactor Testing Station (now the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory).

The associated press release/caption reads:
"Immediate / 'SHIP' IN A DESERT; FIRST ATOMIC SUBMARINE ENGINE / NATIONAL REACTOR TESTING STATION, Idaho -- The first atomic submarine engine, contained in this land-based submarine hull, was generating power when this picture was taken here in 1953, 600 miles from the nearest ocean. This nuclear power plant was the prototype of the engine which drives the U.S.S. Nautilus. Both power plants were developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation under the direction of and in technical cooperation with the Naval Reactors Branch of the Atomic Energy Commission. This picture was taken at the Naval Reactors Facility. The large sea tank is about 50 feet in diameter and almost 40 feet high. The hull passes through the tank so that the reactor compartment is submerged in water. Installation of both atomic engines in the submarine hulls was done by Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation, builder of the Nautilus. / PR - 11673 / WESTINGHOUSE PHOTO / F21691B / PR-20-13-11673"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Lieutenant Commander Fred Richardson, Medical Officer aboard USS George Washington (SSBN 598), examines the ear of Yeoman 2nd Class Terence Murphy in the submarine's sick bay. The photograph was released in January 1961, after USS George Washington completed its first deterrence patrol.

USS George Washington was the Navy’s first fleet ballistic missile submarine. Named for first American President George Washington, the submarine was launched June 9, 1959, and commissioned December 30, 1959. She was initially laid down as attack submarine USS Scorpion but converted to a fleet ballistic missile submarine during construction with the insertion missile section. George Washington performed the first submerged launch of a ballistic missile (a Polaris A1) on July 20, 1960. She conducted 55 strategic deterrent patrols over 25 years and was decommissioned in 1985.

The associated caption reads:
"POLARIS SUB G.W. COMPLETES 67 DAYS OF UNDERWATER DUTY / THE POLARIS SUBMARINE, USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, (SS(B)N-598), RETURNED TO HER HOME PORT OF NEW LONDON, CONN., JANUARY 21, 1961, AFTER SETTING A NEW SUBMERSION RECORD OF 67 DAYS UNDERWATER WITHOUT SURFACING. THE 5,400 TON VESSEL, COMMANDED BY COMMANDER JAMES B. OSBORN, USN, OF STOCKTON, MISSOURI, DEPARTED FROM CHARLESTON, S.C., NOVEMBER 15. THE GEORGE WASHINGTON SURFACED 64 MILES SOUTHEAST OF BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND, JANUARY 21, COMPLETING ITS 67 DAY RECORD, AND BRINGING ITS CREW HOME FOR A BELATED CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION. / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / WASHINGTON, D.C./ JANUARY, 1961/ USN 1052244 / LIEUT. COMDR. FRED W. RICHARDSON, (MC), USN, OF LACONIA, N. HAMPSHIRE, MEDICAL OFFICER ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SS(B)N-598), LOOKS INTO THE EAR OF TERENCE M. MURPHY, YEOMAN, SECOND CLASS, SS, USN, OF SAN DIEGO, CALIF. BOTH ARE IN THE SUB'S "SICK BAY". / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / WASHINGTON, D.C. / JANUARY, 1961"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

USS Triton (SSRN 586) is launched at the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard, August 19, 1958.

Triton was a unique nuclear-powered radar picket submarine that executed the first submerged circumnavigation of the Earth. Radar picket submarines carried radar equipment to provide intelligence information and electronic surveillance for forward-deployed naval forces. Triton is most famous for her 1960 submerged circumnavigation (Operation Sandblast) accomplished during her shakedown cruise. She was also unusual as the only American submarine powered by two nuclear reactors. In 1962, Triton was converted to an attack submarine and served in this role until she was decommissioned in 1969.

The associated caption reads:
"GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION / ELECTRIC BOAT DIVISION / GROTON, CONNECTICUT / Hilltop 5-4321 / Ext. 513 or 685 /GIANT SUBMARINE DEBUTS --- The world's largest and most powerful submarine, the atomic-powered [underlined by hand] Triton [underlined by hand], slides into the Thames River at the Groton, Conn. shipyard of General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division. A record throng of an estimated 30,000 persons turned out to see the twin-reactored Triton create the biggest splash in the history of this New England community. Triton, a radar picket sub that is 447 feet long with a 5,900-ton displacement, is the fifth nuclear sub launched by General Dynamics. / 8/19/58/102-P/G & H / EB-1452"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Lieutenant Commander P.D. Tomb, chief engineer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600), stands on the submarine's bridge as the ship leaves San Francisco Bay, February 1961.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600) was a George Washington-class ballistic missile submarine that conducted strategic deterrence patrols during the Cold War. Originally assigned to be a guided missile submarine and then laid down as attack submarine USS Scamp, she was re-designated Theodore Roosevelt/SSBN-600 on November 6, 1958, launched October 3, 1959, and commissioned February 13, 1961. Theodore Roosevelt was decommissioned December 1, 1982 after 21 years of service.

The associated caption reads:
"USN 1053100 / FEB. 13, 1961 / AT SEA ABOARD THE USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT- - LIEUT. COMDR. P.D. TOMB, CHIEF ENGINEER, TAKES UNACCUSTOMED POSITION ON THE BRIDGE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT AS IT LEAVES SAN FRANCISCO BAY. / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO /RELEASED / DMF"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Navy portrait of Rear Admiral William Raborn, who led the Special Projects Office that designed the Polaris A1 missile, taken October 1960.

The associated caption reads:
"PAA 32498 / 10/24/60 / VADM WILLIAM F. RABORN, USN / NOW REAR ADMIRAL / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO / RELEASED"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Quartermaster First Class Joseph Ziolko washes his hands in the enlisted washroom of USS Seawolf (SSN 575). Seawolf was the U.S. Navy's second nuclear-powered submarine, the world's first ship with a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor (designated S2G), and the only U.S. submarine built with a sodium reactor. The sodium reactor, developed concurrently with the (water-cooled) pressurized water reactor (PWR) placed in USS Nautilus, was ultimately rejected due to performance problems, higher cost, and safety concerns over sodium's high chemical reactivity. In 1959, the Navy replaced Seawolf's sodium S2G reactor with a spare PWR, the S2Wa reactor from the Nautilus test program. Seawolf was primarily an experimental submarine, used as a one-off test platform for the sodium reactor, and was decommissioned on 30 March 1987 with exactly 30 years of service.

The associated caption reads:
"GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION / ELECTRIC BOAT DIVISION / GROTON, CONNECTICUT / Hilltop 5-4321 / Ext. 513 or 685 / Neg. No P1022-14 / The first released interior photographs of the atomic submarine USS Seawolf show submariners at work and at leisure as the 330-foot nuclear-powered ship steams along underwater. / Seawolf, the world's second atomic vessel, was built by General Dynamics Corp's Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn., and was commissioned by the Navy on March 30, 1957. The A-sub displaces more than 3,000 tons and is manned by a crew of 102 officers and men. / QM1 Joseph E. Ziolko of Jersey City, N. J. washes up in the crew's washroom, which offers quarters comparable to those found on modern surface ships. / P-1022-14 / EB"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Ballistic missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 598) is launched at the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard on June 9, 1959.

USS George Washington was the Navy’s first fleet ballistic missile submarine. Named for first American President George Washington, the submarine was launched June 9, 1959, and commissioned December 30, 1959. She was initially laid down as attack submarine USS Scorpion but converted to a fleet ballistic missile submarine during construction with the insertion missile section. George Washington performed the first submerged launch of a ballistic missile (a Polaris A1) on July 20, 1960. She conducted 55 strategic deterrent patrols over 25 years and was decommissioned in 1985.

The associated caption reads:
"GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION / ELECTRIC BOAT DIVISION / GROTON, CONNECTICUT / Hilltop 5-4321 / Ext. 513 0r 685 / FIRST POLARIS-FIRING SUB LAUNCHED - - The atomic powered submarine George Washington, first A-sub designed to fire the Polaris ballistic missile from beneath the ocean surface, takes its launching slide from the Groton, Conn. shipyard of General Dynamic's Corporation's Electric Boat Division on June 9, 1959. The 380-foot, 5,400-ton Washington and other Polaris-firing subs to follow are slated for deterrent roles through their ability to serve as mobile underwater launching platforms for 1,500-mile missiles. / #### 6/22/59/90P / EB-1452"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

An illustrated diagram of fleet ballistic missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 598) details portions of the boat, such as Engine Room, Reactor Room, Gyro Room, and Missile Room.

The associated press release/caption reads:
"GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION / ELECTRIC BOAT DIVISION / GROTON, CONNECTICUT / Hilltop 5-4321 / Ext. 513 or 685 / Neg. No. P-04 / FOR RELEASE FRIDAY, APRIL 11 / THE FLEET BALISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINE -- Detailed design of the nuclear powered Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine is shown in this cutaway drawing released today by General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division of Groton, Conn., which has been assigned to build two undersea vessels of this type. Polaris 1500-mile ballistic missiles can be fired from far below the ocean's surface by these subs, which are 380 feet long and have a displacement of 5,600 tons. Construction of the first FBM sub is under way at the General Dynamic's shipyard. / # # # 4/9/58/35 (B) P-58 / EB / EB-1452"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Torpedoman's Mate 1st Class John Adamson (left0 and Gunner's Mate 1st Class Richard Haderski work on a missile tube int he lower missile level aboard USS George Washington (SSBN 598). The photograph was released in January 1961, after USS George Washington completed its first deterrence patrol.

USS George Washington was the Navy’s first fleet ballistic missile submarine. Named for first American President George Washington, the submarine was launched June 9, 1959, and commissioned December 30, 1959. She was initially laid down as attack submarine USS Scorpion but converted to a fleet ballistic missile submarine during construction with the insertion missile section. George Washington performed the first submerged launch of a ballistic missile (a Polaris A1) on July 20, 1960. She conducted 55 strategic deterrent patrols over 25 years and was decommissioned in 1985.

The associated caption reads:
"POLARIS SUB G.W. COMPLETES 67 DAYS OF UNDERWATER DUTY / THE POLARIS SUBMARINE, USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, (SS(B)N-598), RETURNED TO HER HOME PORT OF NEW LONDON, CONN., JANUARY 21, 1961, AFTER SETTING A NEW SUBMERSION RECORD OF 67 DAYS UNDERWATER WITHOUT SURFACING. THE 5,400 TON VESSEL, COMMANDED BY COMMANDER JAMES B. OSBORN, USN, OF STOCKTON, MISSOURI, DEPARTED FROM CHARLESTON, S.C, NOVEMBER 15. THE GEORGE WASHINGTON SURFACED 64 MILES SOUTHEAST OF BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND, JANUARY 21, COMPLETING ITS 67 DAY RECORD, AND BRINGING ITS CREW HOME FOR A BELATED CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION./ OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / WASHINGTON, D.C. / JANUARY, 1961 / USN 1052248 / JOHN B. ADAMSON, TORPEDOMAN'S MATE, FIRST CLASS, SS, USN, OF MYSTIC, CONN., LEFT, AND RICHARD A. HADERSKI, GUNNER'S MATE, FIRST CLASS, SS, USN, OF BUFFALO, N.Y., WORK ON A TUBE IN THE LOWER MISSILE LEVEL ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SS(B)N-598). / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / WASHINGTON, D.C. / JANUARY, 1961"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Construction of ballistic missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 598) at the General Dynamic Electric Boat Shipyard.

USS George Washington was the Navy’s first fleet ballistic missile submarine. Named for first American President George Washington, the submarine was launched June 9, 1959, and commissioned December 30, 1959. She was initially laid down as attack submarine USS Scorpion but converted to a fleet ballistic missile submarine during construction with the insertion missile section. George Washington performed the first submerged launch of a ballistic missile (a Polaris A1) on July 20, 1960. She conducted 55 strategic deterrent patrols over 25 years and was decommissioned in 1985.

The associated caption reads:
"ELECTRIC BOAT / GROTON, CONNECTICUT / A DIVISION OF GENERAL DYNAMICS / GROTON, CONNECTICUT / Hilltop 5-4321 / Ext. 513 0r 685 / FOR RELEASE FRIDAY APRIL, 11 / FBM SUB TAKES SHAPE---The Navy's first Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine to fire the Polaris 1,500 mile solid fuel missile from submerged positions, takes shape on the building ways at General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn. General Dynamics was selected to build two of the FBM subs on February 14, but the early construction was made possible by a preliminary contract for the preparation of working plans and the ordering to long lead-time items. Fabrication of the second FBM is expected to start this month at the Groton Shipyard. / #### 4/9/35(A) P-58 / EB-1452"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Artist's conception of a submerged ballistic missile launch from USS George Washington (SSBN 598).

USS George Washington was the Navy’s first fleet ballistic missile submarine. Named for first American President George Washington, the submarine was launched June 9, 1959, and commissioned December 30, 1959. She was initially laid down as attack submarine USS Scorpion but converted to a fleet ballistic missile submarine during construction with the insertion missile section. George Washington performed the first submerged launch of a ballistic missile (a Polaris A1) on July 20, 1960. She conducted 55 strategic deterrent patrols over 25 years and was decommissioned in 1985.

The associated caption reads:
"USN 1051827 / REC. 12/60 / ARTIST CONCEPTION OF THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN-598) FIRING THE POLARIS MISSILE. / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO / RELEASED"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Commander William Anderson, commanding officer of USS Nautilus (SSN 571), leans out from Nautilus's bridge as the submarine nears the North Pole, 1958. Nautilus was the world's first nuclear-powered submarine (and ship). Nautilus was launched on 21 January 1954 and commissioned on 30 September 1954. In 1958, on a mission codenamed Operation Sunshine, she successfully completed the first submerged transpolar voyage of the North Pole. Following her 1980 decommissioning, Nautilus was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1982 and put on display at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT, in 1986.

The associated caption reads:
"USN 1037178 / CDR W. R.ANDERSON, COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) KEEPS CONSTANT WATCH AS THE NAUTILUS PROCEEDS ON THE FIRST UNDER-ICE TRANSPOLAR VOYAGE. / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO /RELEASED"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Jack Foure, a civilian employee at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, checks the operation of a missile tube access door aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600) during sea trials, February 1960.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600) was a George Washington-class ballistic missile submarine that conducted strategic deterrence patrols during the Cold War. Originally assigned to be a guided missile submarine and then laid down as attack submarine USS Scamp, she was re-designated Theodore Roosevelt/SSBN-600 on November 6, 1958, launched October 3, 1959, and commissioned February 13, 1961. Theodore Roosevelt was decommissioned December 1, 1982 after 21 years of service.

The associated caption reads:
"USN 1053088 / 2/13/60 / AT SEA ABOARD THE USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT - JACK FOURE, MARE ISLAND NAVAL SHIPYARD CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE CHECKS OPERATION OF LAUNCH TUBE ACCESS DOOR DURING SEA TRIALS. / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO / RELEASED / DMF"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Rear Admiral William Raborn (center) relaxes after the successful submerged launch of a Polaris A1 missile from USS George Washington (SSBN 598), July 20, 1960.

USS George Washington was the Navy’s first fleet ballistic missile submarine. Named for first American President George Washington, the submarine was launched June 9, 1959, and commissioned December 30, 1959. She was initially laid down as attack submarine USS Scorpion but converted to a fleet ballistic missile submarine during construction with the insertion missile section. George Washington performed the first submerged launch of a ballistic missile (a Polaris A1) on July 20, 1960. She conducted 55 strategic deterrent patrols over 25 years and was decommissioned in 1985.

The associated caption reads:
"USN 1048931 / POLARIS - SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHES, SUCCESSFUL FLIGHTS / TWO POLARIS TEST VEHICLES WERE LAUNCHED FROM A SUBMERGED SUBMARINE 20 JULY 1960 IN THE FIRST FULL SCALE TESTS OF ALL ELEMENTS OF THE NAVY'S FLEET BALLISTIC MISSILE WEAPONS SYSTEM. THE SUBMARINE MAKING THE HISTORIC LAUNCHES WAS THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, FIRST OF THE TWO SCHEDULED TO BE DEPLOYED THIS YEAR ON OPERATION AL PATROL. THE SUBMARINE WAS CRUISING SUBMERGED IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ABOUT 30 MILES OFF CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA AT THE TIME OF THE TEST. THE LAUNCHINGS AND TEST FLIGHTS WERE EVALUATED AS SUCCESSFUL IN MEETING ALL THE TEST OBJECTIVES OF LIVE MISSILE LAUNCH FROM BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE OCEAN AND GUIDED FLIGHT TO A PRE-SELECTED IMPACT AREA, RANGES OF THE FLIGHTS WERE MORE THAN 1,000 NAUTICAL MILES. / RAMD. WILLIAM F. RABORN, JR., USN, NAVY DEPARTMENT SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICER AND GUIDING HAND OF THE POLARIS PROJECT, (C[enter]), RELAXES AFTER THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHES OF THE POLARIS MISSILES. / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO RELEASED BY THE DEPT. OF DEFENSE, WASHINGTON, D.C. 7-23-60"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/

Fireman David McGettigan cuts potatoes for the midday meal aboard USS George Washington (SSBN 598). The photograph was released in January 1961, after USS George Washington completed its first deterrence patrol.

USS George Washington was the Navy’s first fleet ballistic missile submarine. Named for first American President George Washington, the submarine was launched June 9, 1959, and commissioned December 30, 1959. She was initially laid down as attack submarine USS Scorpion but converted to a fleet ballistic missile submarine during construction with the insertion missile section. George Washington performed the first submerged launch of a ballistic missile (a Polaris A1) on July 20, 1960. She conducted 55 strategic deterrent patrols over 25 years and was decommissioned in 1985.

The associated caption reads:
"POLARIS SUB G.W. COMPLETES 67 DAYS OF UNDERWATER DUTY/ THE POLARIS SUBMARINE, USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, (SS(B)N-598), RETURNED TO HER HOME PORT OF NEW LONDON, CONN., JANUARY 21, 1961, AFTER SETTING A NEW SUBMERSION RECORD OF 67 DAYS UNDERWATER WITHOUT SURFACING. THE 5,400 TON VESSEL, COMMANDED BY COMMANDER JAMES B. OSBORN, USN, OF STOCKTON, MISSOURI, DEPARTED FROM CHARLESTON, S.C, NOVEMBER 15. THE GEORGE WASHINGTON SURFACED 64 MILES SOUTHEAST OF BLOCK ISLAND, RHODE ISLAND, JANUARY 21, COMPLETING ITS 67 DAY RECORD, AND BRINGING ITS CREW HOME FOR A BELATED CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION. / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE / WASHINGTON, D.C. / JANUARY, 1961 / USN 1052249 / DAVID G. McGETTIGAN, FIREMAN, SS, USN, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., CUTS UP TOMATOES FOR THE NOON MEAL ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SS(B)N-598). / OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPH RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE /WASHINGTON, D.C. / JANUARY, 1961"

In the collection of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA. www.navalunderseamuseum.org/