June 4, 2025

RICHLAND, Wash. – Veterans of the historic USS Triton (SSRN 586) submarine will be recognized for their commitment and sacrifice at a community event on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. Some of Triton’s Veterans will be in attendance.

The event will be held at the USS Triton Sail Park at 3250 Port of Benton Blvd. in Richland, where the decommissioned submarine’s sail and conning tower are preserved in the public park.

The port will unveil a commemorative wall engraved with the names of all Triton’s officers and crew at the event as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude.

Tours of Triton’s conning tower will be available immediately following the ceremony and Triton artifacts will be displayed in the port’s lobby across the street from the park.

USS Triton (SSRN 586) was the first and only U.S. nuclear-powered submarine operated by dual nuclear reactors, direct descendants of Hanford reactors.

In 1960, Triton circumnavigated the globe completely submerged in a historic-first mission. This top-secret mission, called Operation Sandblast, was successful, and Triton’s officers and crew were honored with the Presidential Unit Citation. President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented Triton’s Captain, Edward L. Beach, with the Legion of Merit.

Triton remained in operation until 1969. Over the years, 857 crewmembers, including chief petty officers, officers and enlisted personnel served aboard. Triton performed several vital missions, demonstrating the capabilities of first-generation nuclear-powered submarines and American military and technological dominance during the Cold War.

To learn more about the USS Triton, visit https://www.portofbenton.com/triton.

About Port of Benton

Port of Benton drives economic growth, development and private-sector investment in its district and the broader region through innovative projects and infrastructure improvements. The port’s airports, business parks, industrial facilities and tourism and recreation attractions further enhance the region’s economic vitality. 

###