USS Sargo (SSN-583)

• First of Her Name: USS Sargo (SSN-583) was the lead ship of her class of nuclear-powered submarines and the second United States Navy ship to be named for the sargo fish. • Commissioning Date: USS Sargo was commissioned on 1 October 1958, representing a significant step in the evolution of U.S. nuclear submarines. • Arctic Explorer: In 1960, Sargo became the first submarine to navigate under the Arctic ice and surface at the North Pole during winter, breaking through 2 feet of ice on 9 February 1960. • Record-Setting Voyage: Sargo’s 1960 Arctic cruise covered over 11,000 miles, including 6,003 miles under the polar ice cap, a record at the time. • Presidential Recognition: For her Arctic voyage, the crew of Sargo received a Presidential Unit Citation from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. • Tragic Accident: On 14 June 1960, while docked at Pearl Harbor, a tragic accident occurred when a high-pressure oxygen tank exploded, killing the damage control assistant and two civilian workers. • Role in Cold War: Sargo participated in numerous surveillance and intelligence missions in the Pacific during the Cold War, contributing to U.S. strategic presence in the region. • Submarine Rescue Role: Sargo played a supporting role in submarine rescue exercises, helping to improve U.S. Navy rescue capabilities for distressed submarines. • Decommissioning: After nearly 20 years of service, Sargo was decommissioned on 21 April 1988 and entered the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program. • Legacy: USS Sargo’s sail (conning tower) is preserved as a memorial at Pearl Harbor, honoring her historic Arctic achievement and service.