USS Seawolf (hull number SSN-21) is a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine and the lead ship of her class. She is the fourth submarine of the United States Navy named for the seawolf.
Construction
The contract to build Seawolf was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics on 9 January 1989 and her keel was laid down on 25 October 1989. She was launched on 24 June 1995, sponsored by Mrs. Margaret Dalton, and commissioned on 19 July 1997. The 7-year 9-month time period from keel laying to commissioning is the longest for a submarine in the U.S. Navy.
Adding support personnel as well as ship's crew, there are 140 personnel assigned or attached to Seawolf.
On 22 July 2007, Seawolf transferred from her previous homeport of Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, to Naval Base Kitsap, Washington.
thumb|Seawolf leads and the Japanese destroyer during an exercise in 2009
In 2015, Seawolf was deployed to the Arctic region for six months.
In July 2020 Seawolf deployed into the Arctic area of responsibility. She conducted special operations and pulled into multiple European ports. Port calls included HMNB Clyde in Faslane Scotland, and Gibraltar, and briefly in Tromsø, Norway. Seawolfs deployment was the first US Navy deployment during the coronavirus pandemic.
Awards
;1997
- Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation (1995–1997)
;2020
- Battle Efficiency "E" Ribbon
- Arctic Service Ribbon
- Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2X)
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Arleigh Burke Trophy