Launching Speeches

You can check out the excellent photos (below). Click on the images to see them larger.

LAUNCHING TUNNY

SPEECHES FROM THE PODIUM

This is an exact copy of scripts from the Launching Ceremony. I received them from CDR Dennis Sloan (TUNNY’s first Commanding Officer). The speeches appear to be the planned presentations of both Mr. Marandino and Senator Aiken. They are each originally typed in different fonts, and include notations about where to face and what to say.

Photos courtesy Mrs. Lola Aiken

LCOME AND REMARKS BY MR. N. J. MARANDINO,. VICE PRESIDENT , LITTON INDUSTRIES AND PRESIDENT , INGALLS NUCLEAR SHIPBUILDING DIVISION, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCHING OF THE TUNNY SSN-682 ON SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 1972, AT PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI

• (PRESENTATION OF FLOWERS TO SPONSOR ON CHRISTENING, PLATFORM BY MR. MARANDINO)
• (NATIONAL ANTHEM, INTRODUCED BY MR. ST FE)
• (INVOCATION BY FATHER MERCIER, INTRODUCED BY MR. ST FE)

(WELCOME AND REMARKS BY MR .MARANDINO, INTRODUCED BY MR ST PE )

Father Mercier, Senator Aiken, Vice Admiral Rickover, Rear Admiral Dolan, Rear Admiral Payne, our lovely sponsor and her matron of honor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: I extend to each of you a very cordial welcome to the christening and launching of the nuclear- powered submarine TUNNY.

Today’s launching comes at an appropriate time in history. Three months ago, President Nixon made a historic visit to China, and last week he returned from a trip to Moscow. The willingness of the Chinese and Russian leaders to meet and talk with President Nixon is a sign of a new era of foreign relations. Yet, even with these encouraging signs and the promises they hold for the future, we are by necessity still here today to launch another ship for the defense of our country.

We should be encouraged by the establishment of friendlier relations between the United States and China, but at the same time, we should not fail to see another significance in this relationship. The significance is the recognition of China as a new world power – a country which not only represents one-third of the world’s population, but now has the capability to deliver nuclear weapons.

We should also be encouraged by the arms limitation pact signed in Moscow between the United States and the Soviet Union, but, as Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird pointed out immediately after the signing, our nation must maintain a strong defense posture if it is to be successful in follow-up arms negotiations with the Russians.

Fortunately, there are those in leadership in America, both in the military and in the Congress, who believe that to preserve our position in foreign relations we must maintain the strength of our national defense. Another of these great Americans -Senator Aiken- will speak to us in a few minutes.

I should like also to emphasize another important element of our national defense, and that is the absolute necessity to retain the established shipyard resources that can assure quality ships for our Navy Fleet.

It requires years to develop the capability to produce nuclear submarines. Here at Ingalls more than half of our entire work force is in direct support of our programs of building and overhauling submarines. The skills necessary to perform this work can only be realized by costly training and years of experience in actual production. If these available resources are allowed to remain dormant, skills waste away. And when this happens, a vital resource dies and the consequence is severe to our nation’s submarine program and to the national defense posture.

During the past several years Ingalls has placed renewed emphasis on its submarine programs. This has been demonstrated by our company’s investment in a new and modern submarine overhaul facility. In addition, we set for ourselves even higher standards of performance, and the results have achieved significant increases in production and in quality.

Our workers are dedicated to the task of producing the best submarines in the Navy Fleet, and I can guarantee that the management of Ingalls is determined to see to it that this task is fulfilled.

(RECOGNITION OF RADM DOLAN AND RADM PAYNE BY MR. MARANDINO)

I have mentioned the dedication of our work force in the building of this fine ship. I wish also to recognize the excellent cooperation and assistance Ingalls has received from the Naval Ship Systems Command and the Supervisor of Shipbuilding Office in the production of this vessel. With us today are two distinguished Navy Admirals who represent these offices . They are:

Rear Admiral John w. Dolan, Deputy Commander, Naval Ship Systems Command , and

Rear Admiral Charles N. Payne, Supervisor of Shipbuilding , Pascagoula .

(INTRODUCTION OF V ADM RICKOVER BY MR. MARANDINO)

We are also honored to have with us today one of this nation’s most outstanding Naval officers. The reputation and great accomplishments of Vice Admiral H. G. Rickover are known to us all, and because of his foresight and brilliant leadership this nation is fortunate today to have nuclear-powered ships in its defense.

I am proud to present to you Vice Admiral Rickover.

Admiral Rickover!

(VADM RICKOVER SPEAKS FOR 10 MINUTES AND INTRODUCES SENATOR AIKEN)

( SENATOR AIKEN SPEAKS FOR 13 MINUTES)

(INTRODUCTION OF PLATFORM GUESTS BY MR. MARANDINO )

Thank you, Senator Aiken, for a very meaningful message!

Before we move to the highlight of today’s ceremonies -the christening and launching of TUNNY – I should like to introduce to you some of the other distinguished guests who are on the platform with us. In essence of time, I ask that you hold your applause until all have been introduced. We are pleased to have:

• The Honorable William M. “Fishbait” Miller, Doorkeeper, United States House of Representatives.
• The Honorable Robert A. Brenkworth, Comptroller, United States Senate.
• The Honorable J. F. Kimmitt , Secretary of the Senate Majority.
• The Honorable Mark Trice, Secretary of the Senate Minority.
• Captain James W. Lisanby, Deputy Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Pascagoula.
• Mr. Grady Warwick, Vice President, Litton Systems, Incorporated.
• Mr. Robert Slaughter, Vice President-Nuclear Power, Ingalls Nuclear Shipbuilding.
• Mr. Douglas Robie, son of our Matron of Honor.

And, not on the platform, but high atop the sail plane of TUNNY , where he will ride his ship down the way, is Commander Dennis Sloan, Prospective Commanding Officer of SSN 682.

We are honored that these people could be with us and wish that time allowed the introduction of the many other distinguished guests in our audience.

(INTRODUCTION OF SPONSOR AND MATRON OF HONOR BY MR. MARANDINO)

And now, within a few moments, the Navy’ newest nuclear-powered submarine will be launched. We are honored that this Ingalls-built ship will be sponsored by the gracious wife of the distinguished Senator from Vermont .

(ADDRESSING SPONSOR: ) Mrs .Aiken, today is an occasion of deep significance for the United States Navy as well as for Ingalls. Your ship is a symbol of our teamwork and our resolution to keep this nation a great Naval power. We can assure you that the United States and the Free World will make good use of your ship as she sails in the defense of peace.

Mrs. Aiken has selected as her Matron of Honor her sister, Mrs. Douglas Robie.

Before presenting our Sponsor and Matron of Honor I want to share with you a telegram which I received this morning. It came to me addressed to Senator and Mrs. Aiken. It says:

“The two of you honor the people of Mississippi by your presence in Pascagoula today. The two of you stand for quality ships and quality in everything else which is another reason we are so delighted to have you. Mrs. Stennis and I would join you but pending official matters do not permit .”

The telegram was signed, “Fondly your friends, Senator and Mrs. John C. Stennis.”

And now, I am honored to present to you our Sponsor, Mrs. Aiken, and her Matron of Honor, Mrs. Robie.

(ASK AUDIENCE TO MOVE FORWARD FOR CHRISTENING)

As we prepare now for the christening of TUNNY, I suggest that our audience move forward a little for a better look at the actual launching. Thank you for being with us today.

Senator George D. Aiken

Launching of the USS TUNNY (SSN682)

Ingalls Nuclear Shipbuilding Division

Pascagoula, Mississippi June 10, 1972 –11:15 a. m.

There are memorable days in the life of everyone.

Today will be one of those days for my wife, Lola, who has been selected to sponsor the TUNNY.

One of the memorable days in my life was on April 10, 1959, when, in company with Admiral Rickover and several members of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy, I was privileged to go on a trial run of the first of a new class of nuclear attack submarine, the SKIPJACK.

And on that trial run the SKIPJACK broke all records for speed.

Never having been under water in a ship before, I expected that I would probably pass out, but strange to say I actually enjoyed the eighteen hours spent beneath the waves, and didn’t feel the slightest apprehension during the whole trip.

One of my favorite photographs shows me sitting at the wheel of the SKIPJACK with one of the ship’s officers standing close behind me as if he were trying to learn from me how to operate a nuclear submarine.

From that day on I have been sold on the belief that a nuclear Navy, both surface ships and submarines, offers our country the greatest deterrent to another world war.

Nuclear power has made the submarine into an entirely new weapons system, and, combined with submerged launched ballistic missiles, has given us a most reliable deterrent to a broad scale war.

Today our nuclear-powered Polaris and Poseidon submarines stand their watchful guard down in the ocean depths of the world – a hidden warning that any attack on us would result in sure disaster for the aggressor.

Here today we are launching the TUNNY, a powerful, modern warship which has essentially unlimited endurance provided by her nuclear propulsion plant.

Through my work on the Congressional Joint Committee on Atomic Energy and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee I have gained a deep appreciation for the nuclear-powered submarine.

Other countries, too, have recognized the importance of this type of warship until today we no longer have a clear-cut superiority in this field.

We have to share this position with the Soviets who now have more nuclear submarines than we have.

They have clearly placed higher priorities on their nuclear submarine program and are now adding to their undersea fleet at a rate about three times that of ours.

It would be nice to believe, as so many people profess these days, that if the United States would simply reduce its military strength, including our Navy, that all other countries would follow suit.

Unfortunately, as history has so well proven, this belief does not hold true.

Until the time comes when the human race has far better control over its traits and ambitions than it has now we will have to maintain a defense establishment capable of turning back any aggressor.

Our national security demands this.

Our construction program of modern nuclear-powered warships, both submarines and surface craft, has in the past been repeatedly delayed by short-sighted defense planners.

The proposed Defense Department budget for Fiscal Year 1973 now before the Congress gives some encouragement.

In this proposed budget construction funds are requested for six of the new LOS ANGELES Class high speed attack submarines, and long leadtime funds for more.

Considering the lead the Soviets have taken and the momentum of their program, we cannot hope at this rate to regain numerical superiority.

We can make sure, however, that what we lack numerically will be made up for in the quality and efficiency of our own fleet.

It is essential that we build the best that our technology can provide.

And I firmly believe that our own technology is the best in the world.

Two weeks ago, President Nixon and Communist Party Leader Brezhnev signed an agreement on offensive missiles which limits the number of ballistic missile launchers and the number of ballistic missile submarines the United States and Russia can have.

This agreement, however, does not limit research and development or the replacement of older submarines with new ones.

The Administration has now proposed that the Congress authorize continuing research and development on the TRIDENT Type submarine without delay so that our aging Polaris fleet may be replaced by ships of most modern and efficient design.

The new TRIDENT Class will carry strategic ballistic missiles of longer range than our present POLARIS and POSEIDON.

With such missiles, the TRIDENT submarines can operate in much more of the ocean and still be able, to cover their potential targets.

This vastly increased potential operating area, coupled with advanced silencing techniques, will make the TRIDENT Class submarine nearly invulnerable to detection.

They will keep our sea-based missiles secure for the foreseeable future and will allow us to operate our missile submarines from our own ports, free from dependence on foreign bases.

Up to now I have been referring to the importance of the nuclear submarine as a deterrent to war and a defender of our own national security.

There is, however, a significant civilian offshoot to the Navy’s program, which appeals to me very strongly.

The increased underseas technology developed to meet our military needs also increases our general knowledge of the oceans.

We will necessarily turn to the resources of the ocean to support future generations of Americans and this will ultimately have a profound impact on our economy and our society.

For the past three years, the Navy has been conducting experiments with a nuclear-powered deep submergence research and ocean engineering vehicle, the NR-l, developed by Admiral Rickover.

This submarine is capable of exploring the Continental Shelf which contains enormous wealth in mineral and food resources.

This type ship can also perform detailed studies and mapping of the ocean bottom including temperature, current, and other oceanographic features to gain a better understanding of the oceans and the almost unlimited potential for economic and social benefits.

I understand that Admiral Rickover is now ready to start work on a research submarine capable of probing even greater depths.

I earnestly urge the Navy to go forward with this project.

I trust that no one will get the idea from what I have said that I consider nuclear-powered ships to be the only branch of our National Defense which is essential.

I also believe that a strong Army and Air Force are indispensable to our overall defense establishment.

But, having paid tribute to the Army and Air Force, I would like now to get back to our nuclear-powered ships with particular reference to the surface fleet which is such a vital element of our Naval striking forces.

It took many years for Congress to get the Department of Defense to understand the importance of providing nuclear propulsion in our new aircraft carriers. .

Regrettably the two carriers AMERICA and JOHN .F. KENNEDY which followed our first nuclear carrier, the ENTERPRISE, are oil-fired despite the pleas of Congress to make them nuclear.

Finally in 1966 the Defense Department came forward with a plan to build three more nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, two of which are now under construction – the NIMITZ and the EISENHOWER.

The NIMITZ was launched four weeks ago, and is expected to be delivered next year.

The EISENHOWER is scheduled to be completed in 1975.

The CVN 70 is scheduled to be delivered in 1980.

I was privileged to witness trials aboard the ENTERPRISE during her shakedown cruise in 1962.

It was a thrilling experience watching the night landings and take-offs, the demonstrations of the Sidewinders, and the trip which the members of the Joint Committee were privileged to take around Guantanamo Bay Base.

Three years later I was in Saigon shortly after the ENTERPRISE entered combat off Viet Nam.

The performance of this, our first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was the talk of the town.

The only criticism I heard as to the value of a nuclear-powered carrier was that its escort ships could not keep within sight for very long.

The ENTERPRISE ran circles around every other ship – the need for nuclear-powered frigates was never more clearly demonstrated.

Warships of this type are urgently needed to accompany carriers and for independent missions, yet the budget for this year does not request construction funds for them.

Congress, for many years, has recognized the vital importance of building all-nuclear carrier task forces (made up of carriers and frigates.)

With the CVN 70 there will be four nuclear carriers, but only seven nuclear-powered frigates built to accompany these carriers, which are our first line striking forces.

There is no cheap, quick way we can build a modern nuclear Navy capable of countering an all-out threat to our National Security.

President Eisenhower’s words inscribed on the nuclear aircraft carrier which bears his name sums up the situation:

“Until war is eliminated from international relations, unpreparedness for it is well nigh as criminal as war itself.”

Our nuclear-powered surface warships and submarines have demonstrated the significant military advantages of nuclear propulsion.

They have also demonstrated safe and reliable operation.

They have steamed over 20 million miles and in all this time there has not been a radiation accident involving the release of fission products to the atmosphere.

I think it timely to take special note of the Navy’s outstanding record of controlling the radioactive waste from over one hundred nuclear ships, eleven tenders, and two submarine bases without there being any significant impact on the environment.

For example, if a person drank all the radioactivity discharged into one harbor during an entire year he would receive less radiation exposure than he would receive from a typical set of diagnostic X~rays.

We have shown what can be accomplished through technical skill and a concern for the environment and ecology.

I now wish to commend the personnel of the Ingalls Nuclear Shipbuilding Division whose talent has produced this newest contribution to our Navy .

The important role of the TUNNY, which will slide down the ways in a few minutes, is clear, and to all the men who will serve in the TUNNY I say -Godspeed and smooth sailing.