A total of 188 individuals participated in Operation Sandblast, the first submerged circumnavigation of the world of 1960, onboard the USS Triton.
I'm proud of Triton's around-the-world cruise, but I didn't really do that. That was done by my crew and the Navy - the ship the Navy built and put me in command of. That's not a personal achievement, although I was captain of the ship.[1]
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The following personnel joined Triton for her shakedown cruise, with none aware of the top-secret nature of Operation Sandblast:
Commander Roberts is the well-known photographer from the National Geographic Magazine, and he was recalled to active duty to serve as the press pool for the voyage. Also, he and PH1 Hadley would coordinate the photo-reconnaissance aspects of Operation Sandblast. Smalet, Wilkes, and Mabry would coordinate the various scientific and technical aspects of Operation Sandblast for the U.S. Navy's Hydrographic Office. Good would monitor the Ship Inertial Navigation System (SINS) prototype newly installed onboard Triton. McConnell was the Electric Boat guaranty representative assigned to Triton's shakedown cruise.[6]
On 11 April 1960, the following chief petty officers were announced for promotion to ensign:[7]
On 11 April 1960, the following first-class petty officers were promoted to Chief Petty Officers:[7]
On 10 May 1960, William R. Hadley, Chief Communications Technician, was awarded his silver dolphin pin, signifying that he was qualified to serve on submarines:[8]
On 10 May 1960, the following enlisted personnel were awarded their silver dolphin pins, signifying that they were qualified to serve on submarines:[8]
Without people, a ship is nothing. With her people, a ship is a living entity, possessed of a will and a drive and a fortune of her own.[9]
Citation:
During this period TRITON circumnavigated the earth submerged, generally following the route of Magellan's historic voyage. In addition to proving the ability of both crew and nuclear submarine to accomplish a mission which required almost three months of submergence, TRITON collected much data of scientific importance. The performance, determination and devotion to duty of TRITON's crew were in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.
All members of the crew who made this voyage are authorized to wear the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon with a special clasp in the form of a golden replica of the globe.[10]
The White House – 10 May 1960