Uss Aspro SSN 648

• USS Aspro (SSN-648) was a Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, named after the aspro, a fish found in the Mississippi River. • The submarine was built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Her keel was laid down on November 23, 1964, and she was launched on November 29, 1967. • Commissioned on February 20, 1969, USS Aspro was the sixth ship of her class and one of the first Sturgeon-class submarines to be commissioned during the Cold War era. • In 1971, Aspro participated in "Operation Beagle," a major naval exercise in the Western Pacific, demonstrating the capability of nuclear submarines to operate covertly far from home waters. • The submarine was a regular participant in top-secret reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans during the height of East-West tensions. • USS Aspro was awarded the coveted Meritorious Unit Commendation for her outstanding performance and contributions to national security during her service life. • In 1977, Aspro underwent a major overhaul and nuclear refueling at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, extending her operational life and capabilities. • The vessel was involved in several joint exercises with allied navies, including the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy, enhancing interoperability and alliance readiness. • During her career, Aspro made numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arctic regions, including surfacing at the North Pole as part of under-ice operations. • USS Aspro was decommissioned on March 31, 1995 after more than 25 years of distinguished service. She was later disposed of through the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.