It was one of the best memories from my time in the service when, as a crewmember of the submarine USS Billfish SSN-676, we represented the United States at the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in England.
The United Kingdom was celebrating Elizabeth’s reign as the Queen for the previous 25 years. Little did we know at the time that she would go on to reign for another 45 years. While there I was able to tour London and see many famous places, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Scotland Yard, and the Tower of London, to name a few. But the most memorable time was when the Queen herself passed our submarine during her review of the fleet which was assembled in her honor.
She was one of the few world leaders that you could truly look up to and respect for the unwavering leadership she provided to her country. Her passing on September 8, 2022, was sad but it also was an event that triggered an overwhelming outpouring of fond memories of her (like mine) that will linger long after the ceremonies for her end.
One response to “USS Billfish tribute to Queen Elizabeth in 1977”
To be able to travel the world and see so many places is one of the great benefits of joining the navy and I envy the opportunity that so many who served have earned. Having the opportunity of honoring the Queen of the United Kingdom is something only those who worked hard and deserved it could do.