48th Anniversary of Epic Circumnavigation Voyage
24 April 2008
Marc DeLamater

April 25th marks the 48th anniversary of the first submerged around-the-world voyage by the USS Triton (SSN-586) which replicated the first circumnavigation of the earth led by the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan (1519-1521). Commanded by Captain Edward L. Beach, Jr., USN, Triton got underway on her shakedown cruise on 2 February 1960, submerged, and did not surface again until 10 May 1960 after traveling over 35,979 nautical miles under water. The actual circumnavigation occurred between 24 February and 25 April 1960, with a submerged track of 26,723 nautical miles traversed in 60 days and 21 hours at an average speed of over 18 knots. Triton conducted numerous scientific experiments, including taking water samples; making gravity measurements; releasing hydrographic bottles to track ocean currents; and conducting underwater soundings to map submerged topographic structures. Triton also tested an experimental ship inertial navigational system (SINS) and conducted psychological testing of crew members to determine the effects of long-term isolation. The data compiled during Triton's mission served a vital national interest by proving nuclear-powered submarines could undertake extended operations independent of any external support. This proved to be vitally important for the initial deployment of the U.S. Navy's Polaris ballistic missile submarines during this period. Triton was duly recognized for the accomplishments of this mission by receiving the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). Captain Beach received the Legion of Merit from President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the White House for his leadership role. USS Triton was the only U.S. submarine to be powered by two nuclear reactors. She was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, commissioned on 10 November 1959, and decommissioned on 3 May 1969. Held in the inactive fleet for nearly 40 years, she was moved into drydock at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in mid-2007 to be scrapped under the Submarine Recycling Program. Captain Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. (1918-2002) was a World War II submariner who received the Navy Cross for his combat exploits in the Pacific. He later served as the Naval Aide to President Eisenhower (1953-1957) and wrote the best-selling 1955 novel Run Silent, Run Deep.