USS Alaska (SSBN 732) is the seventh Ohio Class submarine and the fourth United States ship to bear the name. She became the first Trident to convert from the C-4 (Trident I) missile to the D-5 (Trident II) missile. A key element of our nation’s strategic deterrent forces, she continues the proud tradition established by her predecessors. 

The USS Alaska (Blue) completed the ship’s 54th patrol and is gearing up for Patrol 56. During the Blue Crew’s last patrol, nine enlisted Sailors earned their dolphins. 

In 2004 the boat and crew were awarded the CSS-19 Battle “E,”, the CSS-19 Tactical “T” and the Trident Submarine Outstanding Performance award.  She was also nominated for the Arleigh Burke award for most improved ship in 2004. 

The Trident Submarine Outstanding Performance Award was established by the Camden-Kings Bay and Bremerton Councils of the Navy League to annually recognize the SSBN crews in the Atlantic and Pacific that have demonstrated the most outstanding performance in carrying out their primary mission during the competitive year.

According to the citation, both crews clearly distinguished themselves in outstanding strategic performance during three strategic deterrent patrols and received superior remarks on all major inspections.

Most recently, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet recognized the Blue Crew with a Retention Honor Roll award for the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. 

The Blue Crew recognized Sonar Technician (Submarines) 1st Class(SS) Thomas Dunn and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SS) Andrew Martinez as their 2004 Sailor of the Year and 2004 Fourth Quarter Junior Sailor of the Quarter, respectively. 

The USS Alaska (Blue), made up of 177 Sailors, welcomed Cmdr. Robert James III in June 2004 when he relieved Cmdr. Warren Belt as the commanding officer. In Feb. 2005, Lt. Cmdr. David Lott joined the team when he relieved Lt. Cmdr. Mark Behning as the ship’s executive officer.

“Alaska Blue had a very successful 2004 and we are looking forward to improving further in 2005,” said James. “The pre-patrol training cycle was both a challenge and a great opportunity to work on our weak areas and I am proud of the crew for what we have accomplished and for the progress we have made for our upcoming patrol,” he added. 

And when they are not on patrol, the crewmembers of the Alaska Blue are actively involved in the community providing significant volunteer work with Cottonwood Elementary School as part of the Personal Excellence through Cooperative Education School Program (PECE).

In late February, the commanding officer, joined by Lt.j.g. Gentry Debord, USS Alaska (B) supply officer; Master Chief Missile Technician (SS) Dave Smith, USS Alaska (B) chief of the boat; and STS1(SS) Thomas Dunn, USS Alaska (B) 2004 SOY; traveled to the state of Alaska for a namesake visit. Cmdr. James was the featured speaker at an Alaskan Navy League dinner. The group also attended a Salute to the Military Dinner as special guests. Additionally, James met with two high school Naval Junior Recruiting Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) groups before visiting the mayor of Anchorage. Debord also met with Pack 170 Bear Den 2 Cub Scouts of Anchorage before the group headed home. 

“Alaska is a beautiful state,” said Debord. “But even more beautiful are the people up there. They love the military and especially the Navy.  It was a great opportunity for me to go out and brag about the submarine force and the Navy,” Debord added.