USS Sunfish  SSN-649

The USS Sunfish (SSN 649) reunion site is dedicated to the men who sailed the ocean depths aboard this able boat. Her undaunted crews were ever committed to ensuring freedom of the seas by maintaining a battle-efficient vessel. We’re grateful for all that stood behind this submarine: from keel laying to decommissioning. The list includes shipyard and support personnel, and in particular the families that have suffered many sacrifices in the interest of the US Navy’s diverse missions.

There’ve been two US submarines named for the giant Ocean Sunfish, Mola Mola. The first USS Sunfish SS-281 was a Gato class diesel boat. She was built by the Mare Island shipyard in 1942 and sent to fight the Japanese navy in the Pacific theater of World War II. The second USS Sunfish SSN-649 was a Sturgeon class nuclear powered fast attack. This type of sub was designed to hold an underwater superiority over the former Soviet Union naval forces.  “…Job well done!”

— Both boats are proud to have had a chance to serve this great nation —

USS Sunfish (SSN 649)
The keel for SSN 649 was laid down by General Dynamics in Quincy, MA on January 15, 1965. She was launched October 14, 1966 while sponsored by Mrs. Robert C. Byrd, wife of the West Virginia Senator. The USS Sunfish was commissioned March 15, 1969 with Cdr. Richard L. Thompson as her captain. The submarine was decommissioned and simultaneously struck from the Navy List March 31, 1997; and disposed of through the Submarine Recycling Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on October 31, 1997.
The Free World is eternally indebted for your service!

Announcement:

Internment Services for Jim Postotnik, who served as Executive Officer for USS Sunfish during new construction and commissioning.
Rose Postotnik, wife of Jim Postotnik, wanted all Sunfish crew members and family to know of the arrangements so that anyone wanting to attend can plan to do so. Internment and services at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, June 25th at 11am (attendees need to be there at 10:30am). Folks need to make sure they have proper identification at the gate to Arlington National Cemetery. It will be a graveside service only, led by family friend, Retired Navy Captain, Young Chang Ha. The service will include a procession and a 21 gun salute. After the burial the family is hosting a lunch at Spat's Community Center on Ft. Meyer. Please enter through the Hatfield Gate.

Everyone is invited and they really hope you will attend. The family is staying at the Clarion Collection Hotel Arlington Court Suites 1200 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, VA, US, 22201 Phone: (703) 524-4000

USS Sunfish SSN-649 Reunion Information

reunion info.

The 2012 USS Sunfish Reunion will be held in Groton/New London from June 27 - July 1 (Wednesday thru Sunday). The Reunion Information is now available in pdf format along with a Reunion Itinerary. And you'll also need the Registration Form. We encourage you to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Also make sure that we have your correct email address and keep checking back here for updates. For additional information or questions, write to Joe Martin (sunfish649@gmail.com) or call 828-284-0057. At every reunion, there are various activities planned for the crew and their families, including a Memorial Service for former crew on Eternal Patrol. Each of the previous gatherings has been a memorable experience. Not only is it exciting when you run into shipmates from your time on “Sally”, but also great to meet Sunfish sailors from different eras on the boat and hear their “stories”. Please pass the word to former crew with whom you have contact and encourage them to attend. We hope you’ll be able to join us in 2012!

It’s time to let your shipmates know what’s been happening in your life! We’re working on the next issue of the Sunfish Newsletter and need input. Have you all had any marriages? Any births? Big trips? Causes and/or charities you’re involved with? Interesting Sally stories? Picture, pictures, and some more pictures. Rod Stewart said every picture tells a story... Share your favorites with your shipmates. Send your pictures, stories, and stuff to Jeff Cox (jgcox00@me.com) to be included in the newsletter.

We’re continually hearing from additional Sunfish sailors so try to get in touch with those you knew and encourage the men to sign up. More than anything else, direct contact with your shipmates will get ‘em fired up about coming to the reunions. We try to keep a current sailing and e-mail list so please write to the address at the bottom of the page with your updates, and give any general comments you might have. If you don’t know the information needed to find someone you served with, drop us a line because we may be able to help get you connected. Don’t forget to visit the log book by clicking on the button above and also read 'Last Voyage of the USS Sunfish: The Closing of a Circle' before you leave.

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Disclaimer: this web site has no official affiliation with the US Navy