Commander, Submarine Group 9 Holds First Submarine Ball Since 2019

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Hafer | SILVERDALE, Wash. (April 9, 2022) – Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, with active and retired submarine officers, spouses and guests, attends the 122nd Submarine Birthday Ball, hosted by Commander, Submarine Group 9, April 9, 2022. For over a century, the U.S. Navy Submarine Force has adapted and met the challenges of a complex and rapidly-changing undersea environment, transforming through a storied legacy as the most effective force in the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Hafer)  

SILVERDALE, WA, UNITED STATES

04.09.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Hafer 

Commander, Submarine Group Nine   

SILVERDALE, Wash. (April 9, 2022) – (NNS) Commander, Submarine Group (CSG) 9, in concert with submarine commands across the U.S. Navy, held the first Submarine Ball in three years, April 9.

The Ball, held onboard Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor, saw a gathering of 460 U.S. Navy Officers from the respective commands that fall under CSG 9 to honor the 122 birthday of the Navy’s Silent Service.

“Due to COVID, it’s been over two years since we were able to celebrate our Submarine Force birthday,” said Rear Adm. Jeffery Jablon, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “I think the underlying, unspoken reason we enjoy getting together like this is because we are a family… Every submariner in this room has their own story, their own memory, probably more than one. And perhaps that’s the reason why we’re celebrating the 122nd birthday of the greatest submarine force the world has ever known.”

The Submarine Ball is traditionally held in conjunction with National Submarine Day on April 11, which marks the first submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy.

“The submarine community is very small, so it’s nice to get everyone together and reminisce,” said Cmdr. Lance Denhan, executive officer of Naval Base Kitsap. “Events like this offer a fantastic opportunity to be around others that share what it means to be a ‘submariner.’”

The Submarine Forces in the Pacific Northwest plan to increase the number of events and ceremonies that have otherwise not been celebrated in-person in recent years.

For more news about Commander, Submarine Group 9 units, visit www.facebook.com/SubGru9 or www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.

• Date Taken: 04.09.2022
• Date Posted: 04.11.2022 19:11
• Story ID: 418297
• Location: SILVERDALE, WA, US