Salute to USS Ray (SSN-653)
Present Status

On July 30, 2003 Scrapping was completed.
The RC is packaged and will be delivered to Hanford Washington for burial.

Click [HERE] to view "Scrapping Complete" postal cover.
Cover created and provided by Tom Armstrong

She's gone now.....

Photo thanks to OD "Coyote" Carlson STCM(SS) USN (ret), Plank Owner USS Ray
photograph available from USNI

Photo thanks to OD "Coyote" Carlson STCM(SS) USN (ret), Plank Owner

The photograph above was taken at the Inactivation ceremony at Charleston SC. on 24 July, 1992.
Upon completion of the removal of fuel from her reactor, she was decommissioned on 13 May, 1993

In August she was towed by USS Bolister along with USS Triton to PSNS.
They arrived at PSNS on 3 Sept 1993,  minus crew and fuel.

Text of message from VADM Chiles on Ray's inactivation.
The text of this message was supplied by RM1(SS) Mark Hanson

In 1997 Ray was in wet storage at the Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard in Bremerton Washington awaiting SRP
(Submarine Recycling Program) along with a number of other Fast Attack, Ballistic Missile Submarines, and Nuclear Surface Craft.  Her fuel rods were removed in 1993.  She was tied up between Lapon and Bluefish awaiting her final disposition.     

Ray and Bluefish were scrapped together in Dry Dock #3.  Scrapping was completed July 30, 2003.

Photographs taken May 1997

From Top: Richard B. Russell, Lapon, RAY (center, with gray de-humidifier box), Bluefish, Drum

Photographs taken by me on 16 May 1997
 at Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard, Mooring Alpha, Bremerton Washington.
 For photographs of SRP and list of submarines spotted, 
select SRP PAGE from the main page. 

Ray is third sail from left, 
partially covered by de-humidification equipment cover. 
This de-humidification equipment is not operational.. 

Those @#$% seagulls have no respect for our old girlfriend :-)

Dont forget to view the crew list and sign the guest book.  

Return to the USS Ray (SSN-653) page.....
Ver: 18 Jan 2006