USS Springfield (SSN-761)

• Los Angeles-class Submarine: USS Springfield (SSN-761) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, one of the most successful and numerous submarine classes ever built for the United States Navy. • Named After Multiple Cities: The submarine is named for Springfield, Illinois; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Springfield, Missouri, reflecting the tradition of naming submarines after American cities. • Commissioning Date: USS Springfield was commissioned on 9 January 1993, entering active service after construction at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. • Advanced Capabilities: Being one of the later boats in her class, Springfield features improved quieting technologies and advanced sonar systems compared to earlier Los Angeles-class submarines. • Operational Deployments: USS Springfield has conducted numerous deployments, including missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, showcasing the versatility and reach of the US submarine force. • Refueling and Modernization: The submarine completed an extensive engineering overhaul, including a nuclear reactor refueling, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from 2004 to 2007, extending her operational life. • Homeport Moves: Springfield’s homeport has changed over her career, including stints at Groton, Connecticut; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Norfolk, Virginia, reflecting shifts in strategic deployment. • Submarine Squadron Awards: The crew of USS Springfield has won multiple awards for operational excellence, including the Battle "E" Efficiency award, which recognizes the best performing submarine in the squadron. • Pop Culture Appearance: USS Springfield made a cameo in Tom Clancy’s novel "SSN," which imagined a fictional war between the United States and China in the South China Sea. • Motto and Emblem: The submarine’s motto is "The Silent Sentinel", and her crest features imagery representing both her namesake cities and her advanced technological capabilities.