The USS Triton (SSRN/SSN-586) stands as a monumental figure in United States naval history, particularly for its unprecedented achievement in early 1960. This powerful nuclear submarine carved its place in the annals of exploration by becoming the first vessel ever to execute a fully submerged circumnavigation of the Earth during an epic voyage known as Operation Sandblast. Under the astute command of Captain Edward L. "Ned" Beach Jr., Triton accomplished this historic feat during her shakedown cruise, demonstrating a new era of undersea capability and endurance.

The USS Triton (SSRN/SSN-586): A Pioneer of Submerged Naval Power

A Unique Design: Twin Nuclear Reactors and Radar Picket Role

USS Triton was no ordinary submarine. She was the sole member of her class, a testament to her experimental and advanced design. A defining characteristic, and one that set her apart from all other contemporary Western submarines, was her propulsion system: she was powered by two independent nuclear reactors. This dual-reactor configuration provided immense power, unparalleled endurance, and a level of redundancy critical for her intended mission. Unlike most nuclear submarines that utilize a single reactor, Triton's twin plants allowed for higher sustained speeds and greater reliability during prolonged operations, a truly cutting-edge engineering marvel for its time.

Originally classified as a radar picket nuclear submarine (SSRN-586), Triton was designed for a crucial Cold War role: to act as a forward outpost for early warning, detecting incoming aircraft or missiles far from U.S. shores. This mission was vital for national defense, providing precious minutes of warning in an era of escalating global tensions. However, rapid advancements in airborne technology quickly rendered this specialized role obsolete. By 1962, just two years after Triton's commissioning, the introduction of carrier-based airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, such as the Grumman WF-2 Tracer, could perform the radar picket function more effectively and economically. Consequently, Triton's mission evolved, and she was reclassified as an attack submarine (SSN-586) later that year, adapting to new strategic demands. In 1964, her importance within the fleet was further recognized when she became the flagship for the Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT).

Historical Context and Cost: A Record-Breaking Vessel

Commissioned in 1959, the USS Triton immediately claimed several distinctions. She was, at the time, the largest, most powerful, and most expensive submarine ever constructed. Her initial cost reached $109 million, a staggering sum that excluded the substantial additional expenses of her nuclear fuel and reactors. To put this into perspective, $109 million in 1959 is roughly equivalent to $968 million today, highlighting the immense investment in this pioneering vessel and the cutting-edge nuclear technology it embodied. The magnitude of this expenditure underscored the U.S. Navy's commitment to advancing its submarine capabilities during the height of the Cold War.

Triton also held unusual nomenclature for a U.S. Navy submarine of her era. While American submarines at that time were typically named after various fish species, Triton broke this tradition. She was the second submarine and the fourth ship of the United States Navy to bear the name of Triton, the powerful merman son of the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon. This choice of name was perhaps fitting for a vessel destined to make history beneath the waves, reflecting both its mythological namesake's domain and its unprecedented capabilities.

Decommissioning and Legacy: From Active Service to Memorial

Despite her historic achievements and advanced design, USS Triton's service life was relatively brief. She was decommissioned in 1969, making her the first U.S. nuclear submarine ever to be taken out of active service. This early retirement, after only ten years, was largely influenced by the obsolescence of her original radar picket mission, the uniqueness and inherent high costs of maintaining a twin-reactor system, and the rapid pace of submarine technology development during the Cold War. Her unique design meant specialized maintenance and operational expenses that were not aligned with the evolving needs of the submarine fleet.

Following her decommissioning, Triton's hull was moored at the St. Julien's Creek Annex of Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she remained part of the reserve fleet until 1993. Although she was officially struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1986, the process of her final disposition began years later. In 1993, she was towed across the country to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, to await entry into the rigorous Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program (NPSMRP). This comprehensive program is designed to safely dismantle and recycle nuclear-powered vessels, managing hazardous materials and ensuring environmental responsibility.

The recycling process for the former Triton officially commenced on October 1, 2007, when her hull was positioned on keel resting blocks in the drydock basin. The dismantling was systematically carried out and declared complete on November 30, 2009. However, a significant part of Triton's legacy was saved: her distinctive sail superstructure. This iconic piece of naval history was preserved from the recycling process and now forms the centerpiece of the USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park, located on Port of Benton Boulevard in Richland, Washington, serving as a permanent tribute to her unparalleled achievements and the brave crew who served aboard her.

Operation Sandblast: The First Submerged Circumnavigation of the Earth

Operation Sandblast was the ambitious code name given to the United States Navy's groundbreaking mission to achieve the first fully submerged circumnavigation of the globe. This extraordinary feat was accomplished by the nuclear-powered radar picket submarine USS Triton (SSRN-586) in 1960, under the expert leadership of Captain Edward L. Beach Jr. The operation was a testament to American ingenuity, technological prowess, and the endurance of both man and machine in the nascent age of nuclear submarines.

The Epic Voyage: Route, Duration, and Speed

The historic circumnavigation commenced on February 24, 1960, and concluded on April 25, 1960. Over a period of 60 days and 21 hours, USS Triton traversed an astonishing 26,723 nautical miles (approximately 49,491 kilometers or 30,752 miles), all while remaining continuously submerged. The challenging route began and ended at the remote St. Peter and Paul Rocks, small islets strategically located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean near the Equator. During this remarkable voyage, Triton crossed the equator four times, maintaining an impressive average speed of 18 knots (33 kilometers per hour or 21 miles per hour). This sustained speed and depth demonstrated the unmatched capabilities of nuclear propulsion and advanced submarine design.

Significantly, Triton's overall navigational track during Operation Sandblast was intentionally designed to generally follow the historic path of the first-ever circumnavigation of the world. This earlier expedition, initiated under the command of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and completed by the Spanish explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano between 1519 and 1522, marked a monumental achievement in the Age of Discovery. By mirroring this ancient route, Operation Sandblast drew a powerful parallel between the daring surface explorations of the 16th century and the equally audacious submerged explorations of the nuclear age, highlighting humanity's enduring quest to explore the unknown.

Strategic Imperatives and Scientific Gains

The initial impetus for Operation Sandblast was deeply rooted in the geopolitical landscape of the Cold War. A primary objective was to significantly enhance American technological and scientific prestige on the global stage, especially in the lead-up to the crucial May 1960 Paris Summit between U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. This diplomatic context made a powerful demonstration of U.S. capability all the more critical.

Beyond political messaging, the operation provided a high-profile public demonstration of the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered submarines' unparalleled ability to conduct long-range, submerged operations with complete independence from external support and, crucially, undetected by potential hostile forces. This profound capability was a direct precursor to the initial deployment of the Navy's Polaris ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) later in 1960. The success of Operation Sandblast proved that nuclear submarines could effectively serve as undetectable, long-duration platforms for strategic deterrence, a game-changer in Cold War strategy.

Operation Sandblast was not solely a military or political endeavor; it also served as an invaluable scientific mission. Throughout Triton's circumnavigation, extensive data was gathered across various disciplines, including oceanography, hydrography, gravimetry, and geophysics. These insights significantly advanced the understanding of global ocean currents, underwater topography, Earth's gravity fields, and seismic activity. Furthermore, the extended confinement and isolation of the crew provided crucial psychological data, offering insights into human endurance and group dynamics in extreme, enclosed environments, which would prove vital for future long-duration submarine missions and space travel.

Impact and Recognition Amidst Cold War Tensions

Despite the monumental success of Operation Sandblast, the planned official celebrations were regrettably curtailed. This was due to the diplomatic furor that erupted from the infamous 1960 U-2 incident, in which an American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in early May, just after Triton's return. The incident severely strained U.S.-Soviet relations and overshadowed the triumphant return of the USS Triton.

Nevertheless, the achievements of Triton and her crew did not go unrecognized. The USS Triton received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, a high honor awarded to units of the United States Armed Forces for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. This particular citation came with a special clasp in the unique form of a golden replica of the globe, a fitting symbol of her historic journey. Captain Edward L. Beach Jr. was personally awarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptional leadership and role as Triton's commanding officer, recognizing his pivotal contribution to the mission's success. Furthermore, in 1961, Captain Beach was honored with the Magellanic Premium from the American Philosophical Society, the United States' oldest and most prestigious scientific award. This esteemed recognition specifically cited "his navigation of the U.S. submarine Triton around the globe," solidifying his place in both naval and scientific history.

Frequently Asked Questions about USS Triton and Operation Sandblast

What was the USS Triton's primary mission when commissioned?

The USS Triton (SSRN-586) was initially commissioned as a radar picket nuclear submarine. Her primary mission was to serve as an early warning outpost, detecting incoming aerial threats far from U.S. coastlines during the Cold War.

Why was USS Triton considered unique among Western submarines?

USS Triton was unique because she was the only Western submarine powered by two independent nuclear reactors. This dual-reactor system provided her with exceptional power, speed, endurance, and redundancy, distinguishing her from other nuclear submarines that typically operated with a single reactor.

What was Operation Sandblast?

Operation Sandblast was the code name for the historic mission undertaken by USS Triton in 1960, during which she became the first vessel in history to successfully complete a submerged circumnavigation of the Earth.

How long did Operation Sandblast take and what distance did it cover?

Operation Sandblast lasted 60 days and 21 hours, from February 24 to April 25, 1960. During this time, the USS Triton covered a total of 26,723 nautical miles (approximately 49,491 km or 30,752 miles) while remaining entirely submerged.

What was the strategic importance of Operation Sandblast?

Operation Sandblast demonstrated the unparalleled global reach, endurance, and stealth capabilities of U.S. nuclear-powered submarines. This feat was crucial in proving the viability of long-duration, undetected deployments, which was essential for the upcoming Polaris ballistic missile submarine program, thereby significantly enhancing the U.S. strategic deterrence posture during the Cold War.

Why was USS Triton decommissioned relatively early?

Triton was decommissioned in 1969 after only ten years of service primarily because her original radar picket mission became obsolete with the advent of airborne early warning aircraft. Additionally, her unique twin-reactor design incurred higher maintenance costs and operational complexities compared to the more standard single-reactor designs emerging at the time, leading to her early retirement as the first U.S. nuclear submarine to be taken out of service.

Where can one see a part of the USS Triton today?

Although the majority of the USS Triton was recycled, her sail superstructure was preserved. It is now a prominent feature of the USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park, located on Port of Benton Boulevard in Richland, Washington.