USS Pollack (SSN-603)

• Namesake: USS Pollack (SSN-603) was named after the pollack, a North Atlantic food fish, continuing the tradition of naming submarines after marine creatures. • Class: She was a Permit-class (originally Thresher-class) nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, representing a significant advance in underwater warfare capabilities during the Cold War. • Commissioning: USS Pollack was commissioned on 26 May 1964 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, with Commander Stanley J. Anderson in command. • Advanced Sonar: As a Permit-class submarine, she was equipped with advanced sonar and quieting technologies, making her a formidable hunter of enemy submarines. • Vietnam War Service: USS Pollack conducted patrols and special operations in the Western Pacific during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. naval operations in the region. • Refit and Upgrades: In the early 1970s, Pollack underwent a major overhaul at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, which included reactor refueling and installation of new electronic warfare and sonar systems. • Pacific Fleet: After her initial shakedown, Pollack was assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet with her homeport at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, participating in numerous exercises and patrols in the Pacific Ocean. • Notable Operations: The submarine took part in several classified intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War, maintaining a high operational tempo and readiness. • Awards: USS Pollack earned multiple awards and commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation for her outstanding performance during sensitive operations. • Decommissioning: After nearly 25 years of service, USS Pollack was decommissioned on 1 March 1989 and entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Bremerton, Washington.