1972 - SSN 677 (DRUM) Sea Trial Letter

This is the initial sea trial letter for SSN 677 (DRUM) signed by Rickover:

USS DRUM (SSN-677)

At Sea - North Pacific

17 January 1972

Dear Mr. Michaels:

We are returning from the first sea trials of the USS DRUM (SSN-677), our 55th attack-type nuclear submarine. The ship completed all tests, including full-power operation, both surfaced and submerged. The DRUM, the second United States submarine to bear this name, was built by the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California.

The first DRUM was commissioned in November 1941. During World War II, she sank 15 Japanese ships for a total of 80,580 tons, ranking eighth in terms of tonnage sunk by U.S. submarines. For this service, the DRUM was awarded 12 battle stars.

The new DRUM is equipped with the latest navigation and electronics systems and a computer-controlled weapons system that enables her to detect and attack targets at considerable distances. These characteristics, combined with the ability to operate at high speeds for long periods of time and the environmental independence provided by nuclear propulsion, make her a powerful weapon against surface ships and submarines alike.

In addition to the 55 attack-type nuclear submarines, we also have 41 Polaris submarines and a deep submergence ocean engineering submarine, making a total of 97 nuclear submarines in operation. When all nuclear submarines presently authorized by Congress are completed, the United States will have 72 attack and 41 Polaris submarines.

Sincerely,

Hyman G. Rickover

Mr. Robert L. Michaels

Falls Church, Virginia