Here’s Why the USS Sturgeon (SSN-637) Was America’s Best Cold War Submarine

The USS Sturgeon set the standard for the fleet and served as the backbone of America’s undersea deterrence for nearly 30 years.

The USS Sturgeon (SSN-637), the namesake of her submarine class, was one of the United States Navy’s most important and iconic nuclear-powered attack submarines of the Cold War. Commissioned on March 3, 1967, and serving until its decommissioning on August 1, 1994, the Sturgeon was a technological marvel—a silent warrior in the high-stakes game of underwater espionage and deterrence against the Soviet Union. 

The Sturgeon was the first of 37 Sturgeon-class submarines designed as an evolution of the Thresher/Permit-class submarines. Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, the Sturgeon displaced 4,792 tons when submerged and could dive to depths exceeding 1,300 feet. Powered by a Westinghouse S5W nuclear reactor, Sturgeon achieved speeds of up to 26 knots (nearly 30 miles per hour) when submerged. 

All About the Sturgeon-Class Submarines

The Sturgeon class of US Navy submarines introduced several advancements that set them apart from contemporary US (and Soviet) nuclear subs. The Sturgeon’s larger sail housed incredible intelligence-gathering masts, critical for covert reconnaissance missions. 

The bow-mounted BQQ-5 sonar suite, with its active and passive arrays, provided unparalleled detection capabilities, enabling the Sturgeon to track Soviet submarines and surface ships at long ranges. The submarine’s four 21-inch torpedo tubes, located amidships to accommodate the sonar, fired Mk 48 torpedoes, UUM-44 SUBROC missiles, and later, Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles.

By employing fairwater planes on the sail, the Sturgeon could rotate 90 degrees—allowing the submarine to surface through the Arctic ice, a feature vital for operations in the vitally important polar regions. The Arctic ice served as a key “battlefield” in the Cold War, as both the Soviet and American navies jockeyed for dominance and leverage over each other in the nuclear-tinged, decades-long, ideological hurly-burly.

The Sturgeon’s design emphasized quieting technology, reducing its acoustic signature to evade Soviet detection. This stealth, combined with its robust combat systems, made it a formidable hunter-killer, tailored for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface ship operations, and special forces support. These technological features positioned the Sturgeon as a versatile platform for the multifaceted demands of Cold War naval strategy.

The Sturgeon’s Service Record Was Exemplary 

Over her 27-year career, the USS Sturgeon’s time was marked by classified missions that earned her a whopping two Meritorious Unit Citations, in 1968 and 1969, as well as a Navy Unit Commendation in 1970. The missions for which the submarine was awarded these citations remain classified today. Yet, there were several other missions and activities that highlight the Sturgeon’s critical role.

For instance, in June 1968, the Sturgeon participated in the search for the USS Scorpion (SSN-589), a Skipjack-class submarine lost in the North Atlantic near the Azores. The Scorpion’s disappearance, likely due to an internal explosion or a torpedo malfunction, was a sobering reminder of the dangers of submarine operations. 

The Sturgeon’s advanced sonar was instrumental in the search effort, though the wreck was ultimately located later by other assets. The mission underscored the Sturgeon’s role in supporting the Navy’s operational resilience during a serious crisis. 

The USS Sturgeon supported a remarkable special forces mission in January 1985 involving the Navy SEALS. Using its lockout chamber, the SEALS were housed for a number of “lock-ins” and “lock-outs.” The crew developed innovative techniques to improve SEAL team recovery, enhancing the submarine’s capability to deploy special operations covertly. This mission, conducted under the most challenging conditions, demonstrated the Sturgeon’s adaptability and its critical role in supporting unconventional warfare. 

In April 1989, the Sturgeon participated in ICEX ’89, an Arctic exercise that showcased its ability to operate in extreme environments. The submarine surfaced through ice at the North Pole, a feat made possible by those aforementioned rotating fairwater planes. 

During this mission, the Sturgeon transported a congressional delegation to the Arctic Circle, blending operational testing with diplomatic outreach. Crew members later recounted the surreal experience of standing on the ice at the North Pole, a moment that highlighted the submarine’s unique capabilities in polar warfare, a key theater for monitoring Soviet submarine activity. 

The Sturgeon Left a Lasting Impression on the Navy

With a long service life and an impressive record, the USS Sturgeon was one of the most important submarines of the Cold War due to its technological advancements, versatile mission capabilities, and critical role in America’s overall naval strategy in deterring the Soviets. 

Its advanced sonar, stealth, and multi-role design made it a formidable hunter-killer, while its covert operations, from SEAL support to Arctic missions, provided invaluable intelligence and deterrence. Anecdotes like its record-breaking SEAL operations, Arctic surfacing, and search for the missing USS Scorpion highlight the crew’s skill and the submarine’s excellent capabilities. 

The USS Sturgeon set the standard for the fleet and served as the backbone of America’s undersea deterrence for nearly 30 years—until these subs were ultimately replaced by the more advanced, and no less iconic, Los Angeles-class submarines.

About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

Image: Wikimedia Commons.