Rep. Courtney Honors 50th Anniversary of USS Nautilus' North Pole Crossing

Press Release

Rep. Courtney Honors 50th Anniversary of USS Nautilus' North Pole Crossing

Congressman Joe Courtney announced today that he has introduced House Resolution 1067, a bill honoring the 50th Anniversary of the USS Nautilus' Crossing of the North Pole, known as "90 North". It was introduced with the support of twenty original cosponsors, including House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) and the entire Connecticut Congressional Delegation.

"It is an honor for me to introduce this legislation celebrating the submariners who braved the uncharted depths of the North Pole with such courage and bravery," stated Courtney. "The116 sailors, who challenged the unknown and became the envy of naval fleets throughout the world, deserve our greatest respect and appreciation now and through time."

"Nautilus' voyage beneath the North Pole, for most of us, changed the meaning of the word ‘submarine,'" said Ray Woolrich, President of the Nautilus Chapter of the Naval Submarine League. "To survive beneath the ice, untethered to any other support systems, in an environment that could kill in an instant, was almost mystical. The audacity and courage of the Nautilus crew in their challenge to that environment has become a benchmark in nautical history. It's the stuff from which legends are made, and I want to thank Congressman Courtney for leading this effort in Congress."

"I appreciate Congressman Courtney's efforts to honor the legacy and achievements of the USS Nautilus," said Al Charette, a retired Navy Commander who served on the Nautilus during her polar mission in 1958 and currently serves as Chairman of the Nautilus Alumni Association's reunion celebration this year marking the 50th anniversary of the crossing of 90 North. "As we approach this major milestone in the life of the USS Nautilus, I think of the 116 men, the greatest team ever assembled, who shared the thrill of that decisive journey. Our current Submarine Force was built on the legacy of the Nautilus, and they continue to perform at the highest level of professionalism and readiness in support of peace and freedom."

An Enduring Legacy

In June 1958, the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), the world's first nuclear powered submarine, departed Seattle as part of a top secret operation called "Operation Sunshine." Unknown to many at the time, the Nautilus was embarking on a historic mission that took them on a course north to the Arctic Ice cap. At 11:15pm (EST) on August 3, 1958, the boat became the first vessel to cross the geographic north pole when Commander William Anderson, Nautilus' commanding officer, announced to his crew: "For the world, our country, and the Navy - the North Pole.

This historic achievement took place at a critical time in our nation's history: the Cold War was heating up, the Soviet Union had seemingly laid claim to space with the launch of Sputnik, and many Americans - and many around the world - were looking for something to rally around, a sign that we were not ceding big ideas and notable achievements to others. Having reached the North Pole, the Nautilus clearly demonstrated our undersea superiority and opened the region to decades of scientific research and exploration.

The crossing of the North Pole was praised by numerous world leaders of the time, being described by President Eisenhower as a "magnificent achievement" from which "the entire free world would benefit." A ticker tape parade was held in honor of the crew in New York City, the Nautilus became the first naval vessel in peacetime to receive the Presidential Unit Citation for its meritorious efforts in crossing the North Pole and Commander William R. Anderson was awarded the Legion of Merit.

In the fifty years since, the United States Navy and Coast Guard have repeatedly followed in the footsteps of this historic voyage. Dozens of U.S. submarines, in addition to specially fitted vessels and general aircraft of the United States Coast Guard, have journeyed to the top of the world in service of their country and to reinforce our Arctic presence. These submarines and their intrepid crews have broken through to the surface, charted new courses and expanded our knowledge of the Arctic.

Built and launched at Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, on January 21, 1954, the NAUTILUS was the first vessel in the world to be powered by nuclear power. After claiming their historic milestone at 90 North and returning home to Naval Submarine Base New London, the NAUTILUS continued to establish a series of naval records in her distinguished 25 year career, including being the first submarine to journey ‘‘20,000 leagues under the sea." Today, the Nautilus serves as the cornerstone to the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Connecticut, where she educates visitors from around the world both on her historic service to our nation and about the role of our submarine force in securing our nation.

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