Operation Sandblast

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Senior Chief, Torpedoman's Mate David E. Boe, Senior Chief, Sonar Technician John F. Kuester, Master Chief Petty Officer Robert C. Perkins, and Commander Allen W. Steele, the original crew members aboard the USS Triton during the submarine's 1960, top-secret Operation Sandblast mission.

This mission was instrumental in the Cold War--not only did the crew gather valuable oceanographic data throughout its circumnavigation of the globe while remaining entirely submerged and undetected, but they demonstrated their endurance and the submarine's technical capabilities. At the time of Triton's commissioning in 1959, it was considered the largest, most powerful, and most expensive submarine ever built.

The Port of Benton in Richland, Washington, worked with the U.S. Navy to preserve the USS Triton's 75-foot-long sail and conning tower that are on display at the USS Triton Sail Park, to honor submariners and highlight the significance of Triton's impact on the Nuclear Age.

Central Washington is proud to hold this piece of our nation's history, and I am honored to recognize these brave crew members for their commitment and dedication to accomplishing the Operation Sandblast mission, which proved invaluable to the United States and the world during the Cold War.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source