| The
USS NARWHAL (SSN-671) was the quietest of submarines at the
time of her commissioning, the result of a natural
circulation reactor. She has been modified for special
missions, and is fitted to operate a Remotely Opearted
Vehicle. She was decommissioned in 1999. The USS Narwhal (SSN
671) was built as the prototype platform for an ultra-quiet
natural circulation reactor design. This allows for
operation with the large water circulating pumps, a major
source of radiated noise, secured. It is similar to the
Sturgeon design in other respects. NARWHAL used new
engineering technology and several other innovations that
led to advances in the submarine development program, laying
important groundwork for the LOS ANGELES and OHIO class
submarines which followed her. She was truly a one ship
class.
According
to some reports Narwhal was employed for intelligence
collection, and was fitted with a structure, called a "turtleback"
-- just forward of her rudder that some have suggested may
possibly be for remote-controlled underwater vehicles.
However, a more prosaic explanation suggest that the big
bulge on her stern is a casing for TB-23 towed array fitted
with the new BQQ-5D sonar.
During
her career, Narwhal was highly decorated, receiving the Navy
Unit Commendation, three Meritorious Unit Commendations and
five Battle Efficiency "E" awards. She has
conducted 17 deployments to all corners of the world. Most
recently, during her 1998 deployment to the Mediterranean,
Narwhal was underway 86 percent of the time, conducting
numerous international exercises and two extended operations
of vital importance to national security.
After
commissioning, NARWHAL was assigned to Submarine Detachment
TWO in New London CT. She made her first deployment in the
summer of 1970 and was eventually assigned to Submarine
Squadron TWO in New London. In November 1979, NARWHAL was
reassigned to Submarine Squadron FOUR in Charleston SC which
was her home until she was transferred to Submarine Squadron
SIX in Hampton Roads during October 1994. USS Narwhal was
inactivated on 16 January 1999 at Naval Station Norfolk, and
She will began the decommissioning process at Newport News
Shipbuilding later in the month. Newport News Shipbuilding
is the only private source with the knowledge, experience,
and facilities required to prepare for and accomplish the
defueling and inactivation of SSN 671. |
