About this Unit
USS Jack (SSN-605) was a Permit-class nuclear-powered attack submarine in the United States Navy. Commissioned on March 31, 1967, she was notable for her unique propulsion system that used counter-rotating propellers, a rare feature among submarines. Throughout her service during the Cold War, USS Jack conducted numerous classified operations and patrols, contributing to the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. She was decommissioned on July 11, 1990, after over two decades of service.
Historical Facts
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Unique Propulsion System: USS Jack (SSN-605) was notable for having an experimental direct-drive, double-shaft turbo-electric propulsion system—unusual among U.S. nuclear submarines, which typically employ a single shaft.
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Sturgeon-Class Submarine: USS Jack was a member of the Sturgeon-class, a class of fast attack submarines designed for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War.
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Namesake: She was the second U.S. Navy vessel named "Jack," honoring the jack fish, a speedy and aggressive species—reflecting the submarine's intended role.
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Commissioning: USS Jack was commissioned on March 31, 1967, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
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Experimental Quietness: Her unique propulsion system aimed to reduce acoustic signature, making her one of the quietest submarines of her time, and playing a role in acoustic research and development.
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Service in the Atlantic: Throughout her career, USS Jack primarily operated with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, conducting numerous patrols and exercises in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Cold War Operations: The submarine participated in covert intelligence-gathering missions and tracked Soviet submarines during the height of U.S.-Soviet naval competition.
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Notable Overhaul: In the mid-1970s, USS Jack underwent a major overhaul at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, updating her systems and addressing issues with her experimental propulsion.
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Awards: Over her career, USS Jack earned multiple awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and Meritorious Unit Commendation, reflecting the exceptional performance of her crew.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Jack was decommissioned on July 11, 1990, after over two decades of service, and later scrapped via the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program in Bremerton, Washington.
