Undersea Museum Unveils Exhibit
By MC2 Chantel Clayton
NPASE West Det. Northwest

Release Date: 01/08/2010

KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- A new exhibit was unveiled in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the first ballistic missile submarine during a small ceremony held at the Naval Undersea Warfare Museum in Keyport, Wash., Jan. 8.

"This exhibit, titled 'Forty-One for Freedom,' honors the submarines and submariners who have kept the peace during the Cold War," said William Galvani, museum director.

"The submarine George Washington (SSBN 598) was the first of the 41 freedom submarines. It was commissioned in 1959, and shortly thereafter the United States built 40 similar submarines. These submarines were the backbone of strategic deterrence for the United States. They made sure our country was safe."

According to Galvani, when the exhibit was created, he wanted people to know how the program was originated, what the submarines were like, and how many submarines there were.

Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, commander, Submarine Group 9, gave remarks on the submarine's history and the significance this class of submarine had on the country.

"To the submarine force, the George Washington meant a new mission," said Caldwell. "To the American people, it meant peace and security and ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War."

Among the people who attended the ceremony were crew members of the George Washington.

"Serving on board the George Washington was definitely one of the best experiences of my life," said former Radioman 2nd Class Rich Jacobson, who served aboard George Washington from 1976-1979. "The camaraderie you experience on board a boat is a unique and different experience. There was definitely sense of mission, and there was a deep feeling of pride among the crew, and we were doing something that was extremely valuable to the country. Everyone took their job seriously."

Jacobson said he felt the exhibit was a way to pay tribute to those who have served while giving them the recognition they deserve.

"There are so many people that have served over the years on this particular boat. Maybe they didn't get a lot of recognition, and this is an opportunity for us to really think about the people who have made those sacrifices to serve their country," said Jacobson. "To me, it's a great reminder of the value of our mission and an opportunity for us to show special appreciation for all of those who have served."

The exhibit features photographs of the "Forty-One for Freedom" submarines, the ships' crests, and the history of USS George Washington.