USS Henry M. Jackson Completes 75th Deterrent Patrol

Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Gretchen M. Albrecht
Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs
11/19/2010

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) became the first Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine to complete 75 Trident strategic deterrent patrols when its Gold Crew returned to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor on Nov. 4.

The first Ohio-class strategic deterrent patrol was performed by USS Ohio (SSBN 726, now SSGN 726) from October through December 1982. Since then, more than 1,000 strategic deterrent patrols have been successfully conducted by Ohio-class SSBNs.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SS) Jonathon Miller was proud to help Henry M. Jackson write a new chapter in the submarine community's storied history.

"Submariners have a proud history of service, sacrifice and being the tip of the spear in defense of our nation," said Miller. "To be able to serve on the first boat to reach 75 patrols will be something we can all look back on and be proud of."

Henry M. Jackson, which departed Sept. 28 for its 38-day patrol, is the fifth Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. It is currently the oldest still serving as an SSBN following the conversions of USS Ohio (SSGN 726), USS Michigan (SSGN 727), USS Florida (SSGN 728) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) to guided missile submarines.

"What a remarkable achievement for the Trident force," said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mark Behning. "I am so proud of the effort and hard work of both crews and the Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility to make number 75 yet another safe and successful patrol."

The only Ohio-class SSBN to be named after a person instead of a state, Henry M. Jackson completed its first deterrent patrol in August 1985.

"I could not be more proud of these men and their contributions to the submarine force," said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Christopher Martin, Henry M. Jackson's chief of the boat. "Hooyah, Team Jackson."

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 9, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.

Source: http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57276