We pause to remember the USS Thresher (SSN-593), which was lost at sea on April 10, 1963, during deep-diving trials off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. All 129 souls aboard, including 112 U.S. Navy personnel and 17 civilian technicians, were lost in the tragedy.
The Thresher was the lead boat of a new, advanced class of nuclear-powered attack submarines. At the time, her loss was the world's deadliest submarine disaster and marked the first time a nuclear-powered submarine had been lost at sea.
In the wake of this tragedy, the U.S. Navy established the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) program. This rigorous quality assurance and safety initiative has been instrumental in protecting the lives of submariners, and since its implementation, no SUBSAFE-certified submarine has been lost.
Though built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the loss of the Thresher was a profound event felt across the entire naval shipbuilding community. Today, Norfolk Naval Shipyard joins in honoring the memory of the brave crew and civilians who were lost. Their sacrifice led to a legacy of safety that continues to protect sailors today.
We remember the crew of the USS Thresher, who are on eternal patrol.
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2026 |
| Published: | 04-02-26 08:08 AM |
| Graphic ID: | 41837 |
| VIRIN: | 260401-N-NK427-1071 |
| Size: | 2.2 MB |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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