February 24, 1960: USS Triton, First Submerged Circumnavigation of the Earth

Of February 24, 1960, the USS Triton (SSRN/SSN 586) became the first vessel to execute a submerged circumnavigation of the Earth in Operation Sandblast. Triton accomplished this objective during her shakedown cruise while under the command of Captain Edward L. “Ned” Beach, Jr. Triton was the only member of her class and had the distinction of being the only Western submarine powered by two nuclear reactors.