USS Gurnard SSN662

• Namesake: USS Gurnard (SSN-662) was named after the gurnard, a type of fish known for its armored head and wing-like pectoral fins, reflecting the submarine's strength and agility. • Sturgeon-class Submarine: Gurnard was a Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, part of a class designed during the Cold War for anti-submarine and intelligence-gathering missions. • Commissioning: The submarine was commissioned on 6 December 1968, with Commander Robert E. Crispin in command. • Polar Operations: USS Gurnard, alongside USS Hawkbill, became one of the few submarines to surface at the North Pole, achieving this feat on 12 May 1977 during ICEX (Ice Exercise). • Home Ports: Over her career, Gurnard was homeported at various locations, including Groton, Connecticut, and later San Diego, California. • Special Operations: Gurnard was involved in several classified missions during the Cold War, contributing to intelligence gathering and surveillance against Soviet naval activities. • Length of Service: The submarine served for nearly 27 years before being decommissioned on 28 April 1995. • Decommissioning and Disposal: After decommissioning, Gurnard was scrapped through the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. • Crest and Motto: The ship's crest featured a gurnard fish and a trident, symbolizing its strength and readiness. The motto was "Silent Victory." • Battle Efficiency Award: During her service, Gurnard earned multiple awards, including the coveted Battle "E" for excellence in combat readiness.