Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Charlotte Oliver | PORTLAND, Maine (April 5, 2025) – Rear Adm. Mark Behning, director, Undersea Warfare...... read more read more
Commander, Submarine Squadron Two (COMSUBRON 2) hosted the 125th Submarine Birthday Ball in Portland, Maine, on April 5.
The Submarine Ball is traditionally held in conjunction with National Submarine Day on April 11, which commemorates the U.S. Navy’s acquisition of its first submarine, USS Holland (SS-1), in 1900.
From the early gasoline-powered submarines to the Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack submarine, the “silent service” has proudly served the nation for 125 years.
Before the celebration began, Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 2nd Class Michael Needham, assigned to the Virginia-class attack submarine USS North Dakota (SSN 784), earned his dolphins. He became the newest enlisted Sailor to earn his submarine qualification at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This qualification distinguishes and identifies the members of the submarine community and is one of the Navy’s oldest warfare devices.
Capt. Jason Deichler, Commodore, COMSUBRON 2, welcomed more than 400 attendees, including current submariners, veterans and their guests. He introduced keynote speaker Rear Adm. Mark Behning, director, Undersea Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
“It is my absolute honor to stand here tonight and tell you that without question we have the most capable, credible, and effective submarine force the world has ever seen,” said Behning. “While our unmatched technology is certainly part of our dominance, the real power and advantage comes from you, the men and women, that design, develop, maintain and operate these truly amazing boats here at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.”
Behning also spoke about the shipyard’s history, including its role in the design of USS Albacore (AGSS 569). One of its former commanding officers, retired Capt. Roy Springer, earned his dolphins in 1953 and was the oldest qualified submariner in attendance.
Every military is rich with tradition, and the Submarine Ball is no exception. Each year, at a different location, a spare set of gold dolphins belonging to the late Lt. Cmdr. John Wesley Harvey, commanding officer of USS Thresher (SSN 593), is passed on to the newest qualified submarine officer.
On April 10, 1963, while engaged in a deep test dive, Thresher was lost at sea with 129 crewmembers — 16 officers, 96 enlisted Sailors, and 17 civilian technicians. This tragic event led to the establishment of the Submarine Safety Program.
Harvey’s widow, Irene Harvey, presented these same dolphins to retired Capt. Red Hack when he graduated from submarine school in 1969. With the Navy's assistance, Harvey’s dolphins have been passed down to dozens of junior officers who proudly wear them for one year before they are presented again at the next Submarine Birthday Ball.
This year, Ens. Michael Owens, assigned to the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787), was presented with the dolphins by Rear Adm. Mark Behning.
Harvey’s dolphins will return to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 2033.
| Date Taken: | 04.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2025 14:48 |
| Story ID: | 495842 |
| Location: | MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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