Everything has only just arrived and will take some time before it is setup. We are hoping (and I mean hoping!) that we will be able to hook-up electric-hydraulics to the fairwater planes and allow visitors to operate the planes via a kiosk near the display ( just a slow move up and down), stern lamps on the rudder will be electrified and lit too. ..those are the plans at least.

BACKGROUND

Seven BOSTONs have served America since 1776.

The USS BOSTON Shipmates organization was formed in 1986 with the goal of conducting a reunion to bring together former crew members of the U. S. Naval ships named BOSTON. The founding president was George W. Colvin, who served aboard the USS BOSTON CAG1 from 1958 to 1959.

The level of interest at the 1987 reunion was so high that the organization was formalized and incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Reunions have been held annually since 1987.

Membership in the organization, which was about 100 in 1986, is now approaching 3,200. Members include men who served aboard the CA-69 from 1942 to 1946, the CAG-1 from 1955 to 1968, the CA-69 from 1968 to 1970, and the SSN-703 from 1979 to 1999.

Without going outside the organization, USS BOSTON Shipmates raised about $20,000.00 just to cover the transportation costs.

I should mention the support and encouragement of John Trubee and the USSVI (Buffalo Base) to which I am also a member.

29 August 2002

Bruce McCausland
Plank Owner, USS BOSTON (SSN-703)
Member, USS BOSTON Shipmates, Inc.
Member, USSVI, Inc. (Buffalo Base)

THE BOAT

USS BOSTON SSN-703

Built: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division Groton, Connecticut
Keel Laid: 11 August 1978
Launched: 19 April 1980
Delivery Date: 22 December 1981
Commissioned: 30 January 1982
Inactivated: 19 January 1999
Decommissioned: 19 November 1999
Scrapped at PSNSY: 1 January 2002 - August 2002

Sail & Rudder Arrive at Naval Park: 23 - 28 August 2002

Length: 360' Beam: 33'
Displacement: 6,900 tons
Dead weight: 371 tons
Complement: 14 officers, 127 men
Power: 1 S6G nuclear reactor, 2 geared turbines
Screws: 1
Shaft Horsepower: (classified)
Speed: 20+ knots (classified)
Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles; MK 48 torpedoes; mines; 4 torpedo tubes

The seventh BOSTON was a LOS ANGELES (688)-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, the 16th to join the fleet.

Specific operations of this BOSTON, like other boats in the Silent Service, are simply not discussed. The mission of the SSN is multifold, encompassing duties in which their targets are enemy submarines; in antisurface warfare, mine laying, covert operation support, pinpoint shore target neutralization using cruise missiles, and multiforce operations involving Navy, Air Force, and other military units. The LOS ANGELES-class SSN is considered by some to be the ultimate hunter-killer.

The seventh BOSTON was a much-decorated ship. The crew distinguished themselves on numerous occasions by meritorious service and outstanding performance. Awards included the Arleigh Burke Fleet Award and the Marjorie Sterrett Readiness Award, both of which are presented to one ship in the Pacific and one ship in the Atlantic.

The last commanding officer was Commander David A. Olivier, USN.