Alfred Leo Pelletier
Pipefitter 1st/class
Pipefitter Foreman-Supervisor
General Dynamics Electric Boat
Badge Number 54618
(1968-1978)
USS CAVALLA SSN-684
One of many Submarines that Alfred Leo Pelletier built during his career at
General Dynamics (1968-1978).
The USS CAVALLA (SSN 684) is the second U.S. submarine to bear the name. Both built by the Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, the first CAVALLA (SS 244) was the fore-bearer of today’s CAVALLA (SSN 684), a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine of the STURGEON class. SS 244’s outstanding success in the Pacific theater during World War II included the sinking of the aircraft carrier SHOKAKU and the award of the Presidential Unit Citation along with four battle stars during her six war patrols.
The modern day CAVALLA (SSN 684) has compiled a similar storied history during her nearly 25 years of operation. Commissioned on 9 February 1973, her operations have spanned the Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic and Indian Oceans. Originally operating out of Groton, Connecticut, CAVALLA conducted numerous Atlantic and Mediterranean deployments. After transiting the Panama Canal in September 1978 and being assigned to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, CAVALLA completed the first of her two overhauls in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Presently assigned to Submarine Squadron ONE in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, CAVALLA has conducted numerous Western Pacific deployments.
Some of CAVALLA’s noteworthy firsts include the Navy’s Drydeck Shelter Operations in 1983, the first ever Submarine Ice Expedition to the Arctic Ocean with civilian scientists embarked in 1995 and the first ever joint United States/Japanese Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel Operations in 1996. Continually modernized and upgraded, CAVALLA demonstrates the full range of today’s attack submarine capabilities including Special Warfare (Drydeck Shelter Operations), Mine Warfare, Strike Warfare/Tomahawk Cruise Missile Operations, Anti-Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare and Reconnaissance. USS CAVALLA (SSN 684) has earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Navy’s Battle Efficiency "E" (three awards), the Navy Unit Commendation (two awards) and the Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards).
Around the world USS CAVALLA (SSN 684) has proven the versatility of the 637 class submarine and the extensive capabilities of the U.S. Submarine Force. She has continuously maintained her reputation for excellence and clearly lives up to her motto,
"Any Mission, Any Time."
USS CAVALLA SSN-684
Change of Command
& Inactivation Ceremony
August 29, 1997 Pearl Harbor Navy Base
The principle address was delivered by ADM Bruce DeMars, USN, Ret. Adm. DeMars was Cavalla's first Commanding Officer, from Feb. 1973 to Dec 1974, and was the Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, for the eight years prior to his retirement. Adm. DeMars outlined the objectives for which Cavalla was created: to contain an aggressive and powerful Soviet Union, and deter any nation from encroachment on US interests. He said that Cavalla was called upon for many specialized operations and was known as the Pacific Fleet's "SpecOps" vessel. |
On August 29, 1997, after almost 25 years of outstanding service, Cavalla was inactivated in preparation for her decommissioning. With her crew resplendent in white dress uniforms, the occasion was both solemn and splendid. The small Navy band played many standards as the guests were chaperoned to their seats. A red-white-and-blue-bannered podium situated on the submarine aft of the sail faced the onlookers. At the appointed hour of 1000, the master of ceremonies announced the arrival of the principals. All stood for the anthem, the flag gently stirring on the pole. 
The invocation was given by Lt. Underwood, the COMSUBRON ONE Chaplain. This was followed by a welcome from the Commander of Submarine Squadron One, Capt. Thomas Kyle. RADM Jerry Ellis, Commander of the Submarine Forces, US Pacific Fleet, gave an introductory speech.
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