On October 12, 1900, the U.S. Navy began its submarine force with the commissioning of its first submarine, USS Holland (SS-1). One hundred years later, the Submarine Force received a presidential proclamation on Capitol Hill. ADM Skip Bowman, director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, honored submariners and their families by introducing ET2 Adam Bruchette, his wife and two children, who, Bowman said, "represent a typical submariner and his family." Bruchette is assigned to USS Hampton (SSN-767), which is homeported in Norfolk. In recognition of all submariners, Bowman requested a moment of pause be taken to realize what their dolphins stand for and the sacrifices behind them. Undersecretary of the Navy Robert B. Pirie Jr. then presented a presidential proclamation, which honored 12 October 2000, as an official recognition day for the Submarine Force. Attendees included Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT), John Warner (R-VA), and James Inhofe (R-OK), and Congressman Sam Gejdenson (D-CT). The president's proclamation recognized the potential of submarines, their abilities in offensive and defensive operations, and how nuclear power has improved the speed, stealth and range of submarines. It also captured the historical events, vital moments, lost lives and sacrifices that have characterized the Submarine Force in the past 100 years. John Holland, Father of the Modern Submarine, was also honored for the unselfish dedication and pioneering work he put in to create the U.S. Navy's first submarine. Since the birth of the submarine, the strength and technology have continued to grow, building a stronger submarine force for the 21st century. 

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., is currently displaying "Fast Attacks and Boomers: Submarines in the Cold War." [Ed Note: See the summer 2000 issue of Undersea Warfare for more on this exhibit.] 

This display honors this historical centennial event and will be open for the next three years. For more information on the Navy's Submarine Force, go to http://www.navy.mil and click on "Submarine Centennial."