Reports on Successful Sea Tests of Nuclear Submarine USS Birmingham

. J . USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695) FLEET POST OFF!CE NEW YORK 09501 At Sea ~ North Atlantic 10 October 1978 Dear Commissioner Kennedy: We are returning f rom the first sea trials of the USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695), our 72nd nuclear powered attack submarine. The ship completed all tests including full power operation, both surf ace and submerged. The BIPMINGHAM cas built by Newpart Neus Shipbuilding and Dry Dx c Company. Newpo:i. ':ewi, Virg inia. The ship is named for the Alabama city which is one of the leading indus- trial centers in the South. It was f ounded and incorporated in 1871 by a railroad land company and was named af ter Birmingham, England. In 1873 a cholera epidemic killed many of its inhabitants. Although a finuacial panic ruined many businesses in the early 1900's, the city expanded rapidly after 1910 as its steel industry prospered. It has been called the "Pittsburgh of the South". The BIRMINGHAM is the third United States ship to bear the name. The first was a cruiser commissioned in 1908. From her deck in 1910, Eugene Ely made the first airplane flight from a warship. She was decommissioned in 1923. The second was also a cruiser commissioned in 1943. During World War II, she served in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, received extensive battle damage three times, and earned ~ nine battle stars. In the Battle of Leyte Gulf she sustained 229 dead and over 400 wounded when a magazine exploded aboard the severely damaged USS PRINCETON (CVL 23) just as the BIRMINGHAM came alongside to assist. Following three months of repair, . the BIRMINGHAM was returned to service but was decommissioned in 1947. ' The BIRMINGHAM is one of a new class of nuclear attack submarines capable of attaining speeds higher than any achieved by earlier classes of sub- mar ine s. In addition to high speed, this class is equipped with advanced sonar and torpedo fire control systems, characteristics which will increase their effectiveness. This class will also be capable of operating in direct support of our aircraf t carriers and other major surface combatants in an escort role. Thirty-two ships of this class have been authorized by Congress. In addition to 72 attack type submarines, we also have 41 Polaris or Poseidon ballistic missile-firing submarines, making a total of 113 in operation. When all nuclear submarines presently authorized by Congress are completed, the United States will nave 41 Polaris, 7 Trident, and 96 attack submarines. Respectfully, - a d H. G. Ek.'ver The Honorable Richard T. Kennedy Commissioner, Nuclear Regulatory Commission 79033007'f%.

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