On February 24, 1960, USS Triton (SSRN/SSN-586) made history as the first submarine to circumnavigate the globe entirely submerged. Commanded by Captain Edward L. “Ned” Beach, Jr., the groundbreaking mission demonstrated the endurance and strategic capability of the nuclear-powered submarine force. CTMC William Hadley was among the crew members on this historic deployment.

Two days after departing New London, Connecticut, Captain Beach informed the crew of the Navy’s plan for Triton to complete the first submerged circumnavigation of the Earth. The voyage lasted 60 days and 21 hours, concluding on April 25, 1960.