About this Unit
USS Pollack (SSN-603) was a Permit-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1964. Named after the pollack fish, she played an important role in Cold War naval operations, conducting numerous surveillance and deterrence patrols. Pollack participated in various fleet exercises and was noted for her advanced sonar and stealth capabilities. After nearly three decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1989 and later scrapped under the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Pollack (SSN-603) was named after the pollack, a North Atlantic food fish, continuing the tradition of naming submarines after marine creatures.
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Class: She was a Permit-class (originally Thresher-class) nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, representing a significant advance in underwater warfare capabilities during the Cold War.
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Commissioning: USS Pollack was commissioned on 26 May 1964 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, with Commander Stanley J. Anderson in command.
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Advanced Sonar: As a Permit-class submarine, she was equipped with advanced sonar and quieting technologies, making her a formidable hunter of enemy submarines.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Pollack conducted patrols and special operations in the Western Pacific during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. naval operations in the region.
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Refit and Upgrades: In the early 1970s, Pollack underwent a major overhaul at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, which included reactor refueling and installation of new electronic warfare and sonar systems.
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Pacific Fleet: After her initial shakedown, Pollack was assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet with her homeport at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, participating in numerous exercises and patrols in the Pacific Ocean.
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Notable Operations: The submarine took part in several classified intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War, maintaining a high operational tempo and readiness.
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Awards: USS Pollack earned multiple awards and commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation for her outstanding performance during sensitive operations.
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Decommissioning: After nearly 25 years of service, USS Pollack was decommissioned on 1 March 1989 and entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Bremerton, Washington.
