USS Pennsylvania (Gold) (SSBN 735) returned to port from patrol number 49 with some painting in order. The Gold crew won the 2004 Golden Anchor for Commander, Submarine Squadron 17 (CSS-17) by having the highest retention rate in the Trident Fleet. This award was one of several earned by the crew of the Naval Base Kitsap based submarine. 

The crew also won the coveted Battle “E” from CSS-17. Along with the Battle “E” the crew also won the white Tactical “T”; the green and red Navigation “N”; the green Communications “C”; and the strategic “S” awards. The culmination of these letter awards, as well as scores in other shipboard training and functional areas, made the Pennsylvania (Gold) the overall winner for the Battle “E”.

Patrol 49 ended with an increased level of knowledge throughout the boat, said Cmdr.  Dave Knapp, commanding officer, USS Pennsylvania (Gold). The crew displayed a great level of knowledge in all areas as displayed through evaluations, exercises, and daily operations, he said.

The “Keystone of Defense” also focused on developing Sailors and officers. While underway, two officers received their dolphins, as well as 16 Sailors. Two new officers-of-the-deck call Pennsylvania home, in addition to five engineering officers-of-the-watch, 15 dive officers and 14 chiefs-of-the-watch.

Performing additional duties for their country, the Gold crew held five burials-at-sea.

Honing their combat skills, the crew participated in a torpedo exercise and Explosive Echo Ranging Exercise with the Carl Vinson Strike Group.

Award given to local NJROTC cadet

On the evening of May 18, during a ceremony at South Kitsap High School, Cadet Jennifer Kadlecek received an award from the Kitsap Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for her exceptional leadership potential. 

The award, presented by MOAA Chapter President, Capt. William Lounsbery, included the MOAA NJROTC Medal along with a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.

Cadet Kadlecek is the Assistant Administrative Officer for the South Kitsap High School NJROTC Program. She is a member of the South Kitsap High School Armed Drill Team and the Color Guard Number Two Team, which took first place at the Regional Drill Meet. Cadet Kadlecek also has a green belt in Karate.

Cadet Kadlecek is a junior at South Kitsap High School and plans to attend college in the future. She is the daughter of Richard and Virginia Kadlecek of Port Orchard.

MOAA is a nonprofit veterans association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors. Local monthly meetings are held at the Elks Club in Bremerton and membership is open to those who hold or have ever held a warrant or commission in any component of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, or NOAA and their surviving spouses.

Those interested in joining the chapter or attending a meeting should contact CWO Ron Seedorf, USN (Ret) at (360)598-6950 or e-mail: