View source for USS Greeneville

{{short description|US Navy submarine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2014}}
{{Infobox ship
|infobox_caption=yes
|section1={{Infobox ship/image
 |image=USS Greeneville (SSN-772).jpg
 |image_caption=USS ''Greeneville'' (SSN-772) off the coast of [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] carrying the [[Advanced SEAL Delivery System|ASDS]].
 |image_alt=USS Greeneville (SSN-772) off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii
 }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career
 |hide_header=
 |country= United States
 |flag= {{USN flag}}
 |name=USS ''Greeneville''
 |namesake= [[Greeneville, Tennessee|Town of Greeneville]]
 |ordered=14 December 1988
 |awarded=
 |builder=[[Newport News Shipbuilding]]
 |original_cost=
 |yard_number=
 |way_number=
 |laid_down=28 February 1992
 |launched=17 September 1994
 |sponsor=[[Tipper Gore]]
 |christened=
 |completed=
 |acquired=
 |commissioned=16 February 1996
 |decommissioned=
 |in_service=
 |out_of_service=
 |renamed=
 |reclassified=
 |refit=
 |struck=
 |reinstated=
 |homeport=Point Loma, San Diego
 |identification=
 |motto= ''Volunteers Defending Frontiers''
 |nickname=
 |honors=
 |captured=
 |fate=
 |status=In active service
 |notes=
 |badge=[[File:USS Greeneville SSN-772 Crest.png|150px|''Greeneville''{{'}}s crest]]
 }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics
 |hide_header=
 |header_caption=
 |class= {{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine}}
 |displacement=*{{convert|6000|LT|t|0|lk=in|abbr=on}} light
               *{{convert|6927|LT|t|0|abbr=on}} full
               *{{convert|927|LT|t|0|abbr=on}} [[Deadweight tonnage|dead]]
 |length={{convert|362|ft|m|abbr=on}}
 |beam={{convert|33|ft|m|abbr=on}}
 |height=
 |draft={{convert|31|ft|m|abbr=on}}
 |depth=
 |hold_depth=
 |decks=
 |deck_clearance=
 |ramps=
 |ice_class=
 |power=
 |propulsion={{Los Angeles-class submarine Flight II/III propulsion}}
 |speed=
 |range=
 |endurance=
 |test_depth=
 |capacity=
 |complement=12 officers, 98 men
 |time_to_activate=
 |sensors=
 |EW=
 |armament=*4 × {{convert|21|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} torpedo tubes
           *12 × vertical launch [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] missiles
 |armor=
 |notes=
 }}
}}

'''USS ''Greeneville''''' is a {{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine|0}} [[nuclear power|nuclear-powered]] [[attack submarine]] ([[SSN (hull classification symbol)|SSN]]) named after [[Greeneville]], [[Tennessee]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://greenevillesun.com/story/306818 |title=USS ''Greeneville'' Skipper Sends Holiday Greetings |publisher=The Greeneville Sun |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=7 February 2014 |archive-date=6 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006170641/http://greenevillesun.com/story/306818 }}</ref> The contract to build the boat was awarded to [[Newport News Shipbuilding]] and Dry Dock Company in [[Newport News]], Virginia, on 14 December 1988, and her keel was laid down on 28 February 1992. She was [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 17 September 1994, sponsored by [[Tipper Gore]], and [[ship commissioning|commissioned]] on 16 February 1996.<ref name="NVR">{{cite web |title=Greeneville (SSN-772) |url=https://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_SSN_772.HTML |publisher=Naval Vessel Register |access-date=15 October 2025}}</ref>

''The Greeneville'' had [[Ehime Maru incident|a deadly collision]] with a Japanese fishing vessel, ''Ehime Maru'', off the coast of Oahu in February 2001.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shepard |first=Brad |title=Sub sinks Japanese training ship; four dead |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/east/02/11/japan.substrike.02/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=11 February 2001 |access-date=15 October 2025}}</ref>

==Namesake==
She was named after [[Greeneville]], Tennessee, home of President [[Andrew Johnson]], after local residents, government officials, and businesses such as Greeneville Metal Manufacturing (which builds submarine components) began a campaign for a submarine to be named after their town.<ref name="Smith1991">{{cite journal|last=Smith|first=Roy C. III|title=A Tale of Two Cities|journal=Proceedings of the U.S. Naval Institute|date=August 1991|url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1991/august/special-tale-two-cities|access-date=October 15, 2025}}</ref><ref name="USSGreenevilleNamed">{{cite web|last=U.S. Navy|title=USS Greeneville Arrives at New Homeport of Naval Base Point Loma|url=https://www.csp.navy.mil/Media/News-Admin/Article/3783394/uss-greeneville-arrives-at-new-homeport-of-naval-base-point-loma/|publisher=Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific|date=May 19, 2024|access-date=October 15, 2025}}</ref>

==Boat's history==
===''Ehime Maru'' incident===
{{main|Ehime Maru and USS Greeneville collision}}
[[File:USS Greeneville (SSN 772) - dry dock Pearl Harbor (1).jpg|thumb|left|USS ''Greeneville'' at a Hawaiian dry dock in February 2001, following collision.]]

On 9 February 2001, while conducting a main ballast tank blow off the coast of [[Oahu]] and hosting several civilians, the ''Greeneville'' struck the 191-foot (58 m) Japanese [[fishery]] high school training ship ''Ehime Maru'' (えひめ丸). This caused the fishing boat to sink in less than ten minutes, leading to the death of nine people: three crew members, four students, and two teachers.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/02/09/sub.accident.02/ | work=[[CNN]] | title=U.S. sub hits Japanese fishing vessel, 10 missing | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050411015811/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/02/09/sub.accident.02/ | archive-date=11 April 2005 | date=9 February 2001 }}</ref> The commander of the ''Greeneville'', Commander [[Scott Waddle]], accepted full responsibility for the incident. However, after he faced a [[Naval Board of Inquiry|court of inquiry]], it was decided a full [[court-martial]] would be unnecessary, opting for a [[non-judicial punishment]] and administrative disciplinary action to the captain and some crew members. Commander Waddle's request to retire was approved for 1 October 2001 with an honorable discharge.<ref>US Navy, Record of Proceedings https://www.jag.navy.mil/library/investigations/GREENEVILLE_Combined_COI_Rpt.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601122420/https://www.jag.navy.mil/library/investigations/GREENEVILLE_Combined_COI_Rpt.pdf |date=1 June 2021 }}</ref>

===Saipan incident===
On 27 August 2001, the ''Greeneville'' ran aground while entering port in [[Saipan]] on a routine Western Pacific deployment. The boat's underside, rudder, and propulsion train suffered minor damage. Repairs required dry docking and a significant delay in the remainder of her deployment. The boat's commanding officer, Commander David Bogdan, was relieved of command, and the navigator and assistant navigator were also removed from their duties. In addition, the navigator and the sub's executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Gerald Pfieffer, were found guilty of "hazarding a vessel" during an [[Mast (naval)|admiral's mast]], conducted by Rear Admiral Joseph Enright, Commander, Submarine Group Seven.<ref name="Starbulletin2001">{{cite news|last=Kakesako|first=Gregg K.|title=Cmdr. David Bogdan is held responsible for the sub's grounding in Saipan on Aug. 27|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|date=September 12, 2001|url=https://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/09/13/news/story16.html|access-date=October 15, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Advertiser2001">{{cite news|last=Kakesako|first=Gregg K.|title=He feels damage to the USS Greeneville in Saipan was avoidable|newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin|date=September 3, 2001|url=https://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/09/04/news/story6.html|access-date=October 15, 2025}}</ref>

===USS ''Ogden'' collision===
On 27 January 2002, less than a year after colliding with ''Ehime Maru'' and five months after running aground, the ''Greeneville'' collided with {{USS|Ogden|LPD-5}} during a personnel transfer off the coast of [[Oman]], opening a 5 by 18&nbsp;inch (130 by 460&nbsp;mm) hole in one of ''Ogden''{{'}}s fuel tanks and spilling several thousand gallons of fuel. After the collision, both vessels left the area under their own power.<ref name="CBS2002">{{cite news|title=Unlucky Sub Surfaces Again|newspaper=CBS News|date=January 27, 2002|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/unlucky-sub-surfaces-again/|access-date=October 15, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="WashTimes2002">{{cite news|title=Sub Greeneville collides with Navy ship|newspaper=The Washington Times|date=January 28, 2002|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2002/jan/29/20020129-035200-4745r/|access-date=October 15, 2025}}</ref>

===Post-2002 service===
{{peacock|section|date=August 2025}}
Following the investigation regarding the collision with ''Ogden'', Commander Lindsay R. Hankins was permitted to remain in command of the ''Greeneville''. Despite the fact the ''Ogden''{{'}}s commanding officer was fired, Hankins went on to have a successful command tour with his XO LCDR Mark D. Pyle. Capt. Hankins went on to be awarded the coveted [[Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership]]. LCDR Pyle also went on to have the honor of being bestowed with the [[John Paul Jones]] award, which recognizes outstanding leadership.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/894645/2005-navy-league-award-recipients/ | website=marines.mil |access-date=20 April 2023 | title=2005 NAVY LEAGUE AWARD RECIPIENTS}}</ref>

On 9 July 2004, when Commander Lorin Selby relieved Hankins as commanding officer of the ''Greeneville'', Captain [[Cecil Haney]], Commodore, Submarine Squadron One, stated that "The performance of USS ''Greeneville'' during Captain Hankins' tour has been nothing but remarkable. It has been marked by top grades in both tactical and engineering readiness. Lee Hankins was handpicked by our leadership for the job as CO of the ''Greeneville''. They got it right."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rush |first1=David |title=Former Greeneville Skipper Selected for Vice Adm. James Stockdale Leadership Award |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=16087 |website=Navy.mil |access-date=2 October 2019 }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Hankins was selected for promotion to Captain in 2005 and served as Commodore of Submarine Squadron One (COMSUBRON 1) based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Captain Hankins later served as the Chief of Staff for the Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific.

Between 25 and 27 March 2006, a series of anti-submarine warfare exercises were held in Hawaiian waters that included the ''Greeneville''; [[Carrier Strike Group Nine]]; the nuclear-powered attack submarines {{USS|Seawolf|SSN-21|2}}, {{USS|Cheyenne|SSN-773|2}}, {{USS|Tucson|SSN-770|2}}, and {{USS|Pasadena|SSN-752|2}}, as well as land-based [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3 Orion aircraft]] from patrol squadrons [[VP-4]], [[VP-9]], and [[VP-47]].<ref>{{cite web | last= Roache | first= Tim |last2= Cook | first2= Michael | title= ''Lincoln'' Carrier Strike Group Conducts Undersea Warfare Training | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22758 | work= NNS060317-06 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 17 March 2006 | access-date= 24 December 2010 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225322/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22758 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= Carrier Strike Group 9 Enters 7th Fleet AOR | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22794 | work= NNS060320-11 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 20 March 2006 | access-date= 24 December 2010 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225827/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22794 }}</ref>

In October 2007, the ''Greeneville'' left her home port of Pearl Harbor to conduct a Depot Modernization Period at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME. She returned to Pearl Harbor, HI in July 2009. In early 2011, the ''Greeneville'' returned from a Western Pacific deployment under the command of CDR Carullo.

==Awards==
Awarded the 2016 "Battle E" award from Submarine Squadron One after a successful western Pacific deployment.<ref>{{cite web |title=USS Greeneville earns Battle E |url=https://www.csp.navy.mil/Media/News-Articles/Display-News/Article/1097774/uss-greeneville-earns-battle-e/ |publisher=Submarine Force Pacific |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111122559/https://www.csp.navy.mil/Media/News-Articles/Display-News/Article/1097774/uss-greeneville-earns-battle-e/ |archive-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Major submarine incidents since 2000]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Naval Vessel Register}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|USS Greeneville (SSN-772)}}
*{{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=SSN772|title=USS ''Greeneville''}} at Naval Vessel Register
*http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/east/02/11/japan.substrike.02/index.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319035207/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/east/02/11/japan.substrike.02/index.html |date=19 March 2008 }}

{{Los Angeles class submarines}}
{{2001 shipwrecks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Greeneville (Ssn-772)}}
[[Category:Tipper Gore]]
[[Category:Los Angeles-class submarines]]
[[Category:United States submarine accidents]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2001]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2002]]
[[Category:Nuclear submarines of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Ships built in Newport News, Virginia]]
[[Category:1994 ships]]
[[Category:Submarines of the United States]]