About this Unit
USS Silversides (SSN-679) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy on May 5, 1972. Named after the silversides fish, she conducted numerous Cold War patrols, specializing in anti-submarine warfare and intelligence-gathering missions. Throughout her active service, Silversides participated in fleet exercises and supported national defense objectives, operating primarily in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The submarine was decommissioned on July 21, 1994, after over two decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
• Commissioning: USS Silversides (SSN-679) was commissioned on May 5, 1972, as a Sturgeon-class attack submarine in the United States Navy.
• Namesake: The submarine was named after the silversides, a small fish found in both fresh and salt water, and honors the famous World War II submarine USS Silversides (SS-236).
• Construction: Silversides was built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, with her keel laid down on October 13, 1969, and launched on June 4, 1971.
• Cold War Service: The submarine served extensively during the Cold War, conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters.
• SpecOps Support: Silversides was equipped to support special operations forces, including SEALs, for covert missions and training exercises.
• Arctic Operations: In 1981, USS Silversides conducted under-ice operations in the Arctic, demonstrating the capabilities of Sturgeon-class submarines in extreme environments.
• Humanitarian Role: In 1986, the submarine participated in the recovery operations following the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, searching for debris off the Florida coast.
• Reactor Compartment: After decommissioning, Silversides' reactor compartment was transported by barge to Hanford, Washington, for disposal as part of the Navy's Ship-Submarine Recycling Program.
• Decommissioning: The submarine was decommissioned on July 21, 1994, after over 20 years of service, and formally stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on March 1, 1994.
• Crew Legacy: The crew of USS Silversides formed a strong alumni association, holding regular reunions and maintaining the legacy and history of the boat through stories and memorabilia.
