News Summary
Kittery, Maine, will host a memorial service on April 13 to honor the 129 crew members lost aboard the USS Thresher. The event, organized by Thresher Base Submarine Veterans and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, includes a keynote speech and a wreath-laying ceremony. This annual tribute aims to ensure the bravery of these heroes is never forgotten, while also addressing important lessons learned from the tragedy.
Kittery, Maine: A Day to Remember the Fallen Heroes of USS Thresher
This Saturday, April 13, the lovely town of Kittery, Maine, will host a heartfelt memorial service honoring the 129 brave crew members who tragically lost their lives aboard the USS Thresher. The service, set to start at 1 p.m., will take place at Traip Academy and is organized through the collaboration of the Thresher Base Submarine Veterans and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
A Glimpse into History
For those who might not be familiar, the USS Thresher was a nuclear-powered attack submarine that met its untimely fate on April 10, 1963. Approximately 100 miles east of Cape Cod, this mechanical marvel was lost during routine sea trials. On board that fateful day were 16 officers, 96 enlisted men, and 17 civilian technicians—none survived the catastrophe.
The official Navy investigation concluded that the Thresher likely sank due to a failure in its piping system, which caused a catastrophic loss of power. As the submarine struggled beneath the waves, it was subjected to immense underwater pressure, leading to an implosion that claimed all lives instantaneously.
Preserving the Memories
Each year, the Thresher Base Submarine Veterans hold an emotional ceremony to ensure that these brave souls are never forgotten. This year’s keynote speaker will be Captain Daniel Reiss, the commander of Submarine Squadron Two, who will share insights into the importance of remembrance as well as lessons learned from the tragedy.
Among those attending will be Tom and Mark Guerette, the sons of Paul Alfred Guerette, a Marine engineering technician who was lost in the Thresher disaster. Their presence symbolizes the enduring connection between families of the victims and the broader community, as they continue to seek answers while honoring their loved ones.
A Special Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Following the memorial service, attendees will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the water’s edge. This poignant moment allows everyone to reflect on the heroism and sacrifice of the crew members who tragically lost their lives while serving their country.
Lessons Learned from Tragedy
Built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and commissioned in 1961, the USS Thresher was a shining achievement of naval engineering. However, its loss led to substantial changes within the Navy, most notably the introduction of the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) program in June 1963. This initiative aimed to enhance submarine safety and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Retired Navy Captain Jim Bryant has fought tirelessly to make sure the truth isn’t buried with the Thresher. He has successfully obtained over 3,600 previously classified documents related to the tragic events, which are crucial for understanding what happened on that fateful day.
Unraveling the Mystery
The collapse of the Thresher occurred at a depth of about 1,300 feet when its nuclear reactor shut down. Despite the crew’s efforts to manage the ballast tanks and restore power, it was too late. Investigations revealed that a multitude of factors—including inadequate training and communication—contributed to the disaster. Moreover, evidence suggested that the submarine was rushed into operation without thoroughly testing its capabilities for deep dives.
Many family members, including those of Walter “Jack” Noonis, have expressed a desire to learn more about the events leading to the Thresher’s loss. Their quest for understanding aims to provide closure and a deeper appreciation of the personal losses they endured.
A Continuing Commitment to Safety
The Thresher’s tragic fate acted as a catalyst for significant changes in Navy submarine design, construction, and quality assurance practices. The Navy is committed to transparency, continuously releasing documents in phases to provide families and the public with insights into the ongoing investigation.
As we approach the memorial service this Saturday, the community of Kittery stands united in honoring the memory of the USS Thresher and its courageous crew. Through remembrance and education, we recognize the sacrifices made in service to our nation and continue to strive for a safer future for those who protect our waters.
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Additional Resources
- Seacoast Online: USS Thresher Memorial Service
- Eblanding: Lessons from the Loss of USS Thresher
- WMUR: The 1963 Tragedy of the USS Thresher
- Military.com: Navy Declassifies Probe of USS Thresher Disaster
- Wikipedia: USS Thresher (SSN-593)
- Google Search: USS Thresher tragedy
