The USS Triton (SSRN/SSN-586) stands as a monumental figure in naval history, a radar picket nuclear submarine of the United States Navy that pushed the boundaries of undersea exploration and strategic capability. Launched into an era of intense Cold War competition, Triton achieved an unparalleled feat in early 1960: becoming the first vessel in history to execute a fully submerged circumnavigation of the Earth. This remarkable voyage, codenamed Operation Sandblast, solidified its place not just in naval lore but in the annals of human endeavor, all accomplished during its shakedown cruise under the astute command of Captain Edward L. "Ned" Beach Jr.

A vessel of unique distinctions, Triton was the sole member of its class, a testament to its experimental and pioneering design. Furthermore, it held the distinction of being the only Western submarine ever powered by two nuclear reactors, a feature that bestowed upon it an unprecedented range and endurance, truly making it a silent sentinel of the deep.

A Pioneer of the Deep: Design and Early Life

The nomenclature for the USS Triton was, at the time, quite unusual for a U.S. Navy submarine. While tradition typically dictated that American submarines be named after fish, Triton broke this mold, drawing its name from the powerful Greek god of the sea, son of Poseidon. This was the second submarine and the fourth ship of the United States Navy to bear this mythical name, perhaps fitting for a vessel destined for extraordinary voyages.

Upon its commissioning in 1959, Triton was not merely large; it was a behemoth of its time, holding the records for being the largest, most powerful, and indeed, the most expensive submarine ever constructed. Its staggering cost of $109 million (equivalent to approximately $968 million in today's currency, excluding the immense costs of its nuclear fuel and reactors) underscored the ambition and technological investment poured into its creation. This financial outlay reflected the state-of-the-art engineering and nuclear propulsion systems that promised a new era of naval power.

Triton's primary mission initially designated it as a radar picket submarine. In this role, it was designed to operate ahead of naval fleets, providing early warning of approaching air threats by utilizing its sophisticated radar systems. However, technological advancements moved swiftly during the Cold War. Within a mere two years of its commissioning, the introduction of the carrier-based Grumman WF-2 Tracer, an airborne early warning aircraft, effectively rendered the specialized radar picket submarine mission obsolete. These new aircraft could perform the same surveillance tasks more efficiently and with greater range from the air, obviating the need for a submersible platform dedicated to radar picket duties.

Adapting to these changes, Triton underwent a conversion in 1962, transforming from a radar picket vessel into a more versatile attack submarine (SSN). Its formidable capabilities and sheer size subsequently led to another significant role: in 1964, Triton was designated as the flagship for the Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT), a testament to its prestige and operational utility even after its initial mission evolved.

Operation Sandblast: A Historic Voyage

The crowning achievement of the USS Triton's operational life was undoubtedly Operation Sandblast, the audacious and unprecedented mission that saw it become the first vessel to circumnavigate the globe entirely submerged. This historic undertaking, again commanded by Captain Edward L. Beach Jr., captivated the world and redefined the possibilities of undersea travel.

The Journey Details

Between February 24 and April 25, 1960, Triton embarked on its epic journey, covering an astonishing 26,723 nautical miles (approximately 49,491 kilometers or 30,752 miles) over 60 days and 21 hours. The meticulously planned route began and concluded at the remote St. Peter and Paul Rocks, small islets located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean near the Equator, chosen for their geographic significance as a neutral and identifiable starting and ending point. Throughout this extensive voyage, Triton crossed the equator four times, maintaining an impressive average speed of 18 knots (about 33 km/h or 21 mph), a remarkable sustained performance for a submerged vessel of its size.

Intriguingly, the Triton's overall navigational track during Operation Sandblast was deliberately designed to generally follow the path of the original first circumnavigation of the world. This pioneering voyage, initiated by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1519 and completed by the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano in 1522, established a profound historical parallel, connecting Triton's modern technological marvel with centuries of exploration.

Strategic Importance and Scientific Endeavor

The impetus behind Operation Sandblast was multi-faceted, reflecting the geopolitical climate of the early 1960s. Primarily, it was intended to significantly boost American technological and scientific prestige on the global stage, especially in the run-up to the crucial May 1960 Paris Summit between President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. In the heat of the Cold War and the Space Race, such a demonstration of prowess was vital.

Beyond national pride, the mission served as a high-profile public demonstration of the extraordinary capabilities of U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarines. It proved conclusively that these vessels could execute exceptionally long-range submerged operations, entirely independent of external support and virtually undetectable by hostile forces. This achievement was a powerful harbinger of future strategic deployments, directly presaging the initial deployment of the Navy's Polaris ballistic missile submarines later in 1960, which would rely on similar stealth and endurance for their deterrence mission.

Finally, Operation Sandblast was also a mission of scientific discovery. Throughout Triton's circumnavigation, extensive data was gathered across various disciplines, including oceanographic, hydrographic, gravimetric, geophysical, and psychological observations. This invaluable information contributed significantly to understanding global ocean currents, seabed topography, gravitational anomalies, and even the human factors involved in prolonged deep-sea missions.

Aftermath and Recognition

Despite the immense success of Operation Sandblast, official celebrations planned for Triton's return were regrettably curtailed. This unfortunate turn of events was due to the significant diplomatic furor that erupted from the infamous 1960 U-2 incident, where a U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in early May, just after Triton's return. The incident cast a long shadow over U.S.-Soviet relations and overshadowed public celebrations.

Nevertheless, the achievements of Triton and its crew did not go unnoticed. The submarine received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, a high honor for military units, accompanied by a special clasp in the form of a golden replica of the globe, specifically recognizing the successful completion of its historic mission. Captain Beach, the visionary commander, was personally awarded the Legion of Merit for his exemplary leadership during the voyage. Further underscoring his contribution to navigation and science, Captain Beach was honored in 1961 with the Magellanic Premium from the American Philosophical Society – the United States' oldest and most prestigious scientific award – explicitly "in recognition of his navigation of the U.S. submarine Triton around the globe."

Beyond the Horizon: Triton's Later Service and Legacy

Despite its groundbreaking achievements, the USS Triton's active service life was relatively brief. Decommissioned in 1969, it held another distinction: being the first U.S. nuclear submarine to be taken out of service. This early retirement was largely due to its specialized and then-obsolete radar picket design, making it less adaptable for long-term attack submarine roles compared to newer, purpose-built SSNs, combined with the high operational costs associated with maintaining its unique twin-reactor propulsion system.

Following its decommissioning, Triton's hull entered a protracted period of waiting. It was moored at the St. Julien's Creek Annex of Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, serving as part of the reserve fleet until 1993, though it had been officially struck from the Naval Vessel Register several years prior, in 1986. The final journey for the physical vessel began in 1993 when Triton was towed across the country to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Here, it awaited its turn in the highly specialized Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program, a complex process designed to safely dismantle nuclear-powered vessels and manage their radioactive components.

The meticulous recycling process commenced when the former Triton was carefully moved onto the keel resting blocks in the drydock basin on October 1, 2007. This extensive and environmentally sensitive endeavor was successfully completed effective November 30, 2009, bringing an end to the physical existence of a legendary ship.

However, Triton's legacy endures beyond its material recycling. A significant piece of its history, the towering sail superstructure (the command tower of the submarine), was thoughtfully preserved from the recycling process. This iconic artifact now serves as the centerpiece of the USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park, proudly located on Port of Benton Boulevard in Richland, Washington. This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the vessel, its pioneering crew, and its indelible contribution to exploration, science, and naval history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the USS Triton's primary mission initially?

Initially, the USS Triton was designed as a radar picket nuclear submarine. Its role was to operate ahead of naval fleets, using its radar systems to detect and provide early warning of incoming air threats.

What was Operation Sandblast?

Operation Sandblast was the code name for the historic mission in 1960 during which the USS Triton became the first vessel ever to circumnavigate the Earth completely submerged. This feat showcased the immense endurance and capabilities of nuclear-powered submarines.

Who commanded the USS Triton during its circumnavigation?

The USS Triton was commanded by Captain Edward L. "Ned" Beach Jr. during Operation Sandblast. His leadership was crucial to the success of this pioneering voyage.

Why was Triton's circumnavigation important?

The circumnavigation was important for several reasons: it boosted American technological prestige during the Cold War, demonstrated the U.S. Navy's capability for long-range, independent submerged operations, and gathered valuable scientific data across various disciplines. It also foreshadowed the deployment of Polaris ballistic missile submarines.

Why was USS Triton named after a Greek god instead of a fish?

At the time, it was unusual for U.S. Navy submarines to be named after anything other than fish. However, Triton, named after the Greek god of the sea, son of Poseidon, was an exception, perhaps reflecting its groundbreaking and mythical proportions as the largest, most powerful, and most expensive submarine of its era, destined for unprecedented oceanic feats.

What happened to the USS Triton after its service?

After being decommissioned in 1969, the USS Triton was eventually towed to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program. While the hull was recycled, its sail superstructure was preserved and is now a central feature of the USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park in Richland, Washington.

Why was USS Triton decommissioned relatively early?

Triton's early decommissioning in 1969 was primarily due to its specialized radar picket mission becoming obsolete shortly after its commissioning. This, combined with the high operational costs of maintaining its unique twin-reactor propulsion system and its less optimal design for general attack submarine roles compared to newer vessels, led to its early retirement.