USS Hawkbill (SSN-666)

The USS Hawkbill (SSN-666) was a Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on August 24, 1966, by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and she was launched on April 6, 1969, sponsored by Mrs. Charles H. Grill. The Hawkbill was commissioned on February 4, 1971, with Commander Robert B. Osborne in command.

As a Sturgeon-class submarine, the Hawkbill was designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations. These submarines were known for their improved quieting technology compared to earlier classes, making them more difficult to detect.

During her service, the Hawkbill participated in numerous Cold War operations, including deployments to the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Specific details of these missions remain largely classified. She earned several awards and commendations for her service, reflecting her operational performance and contributions to national security.

The USS Hawkbill underwent a significant overhaul in the mid-1980s, which included upgrades to her sonar and weapons systems. This modernization extended her operational lifespan.

The Hawkbill was decommissioned on March 15, 2000, and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on the same day. Her scrapping was completed on October 30, 2001, at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, as part of the Navy's Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program.