The Enigma of the USS Scorpion SSN-589

The USS Scorpion SSN-589, a nuclear-powered attack submarine of the U.S. Navy, was one of the most mysterious and intriguing episodes of the Cold War. It sank in May 1968, but the question of whether it was recovered occupies a significant place in naval history.

Recovery Operations and Historical Context

In 1968, the USS Scorpion was found on October 17 about 400 miles southwest of the Azores at a depth of approximately 10,000 feet. The recovery mission, dubbed 'Project Azorian,' involved the U.S. Navy's deep-sea research vessel RV Mizar. However, the actual remains of the submarine were not recovered. Various theories still persist regarding the causes of its sinking, adding to its historical intrigue.

Post-WWII Submarine Losses: The USS Scorpion SS 278

While this article focuses on the nuclear-powered USS Scorpion SSN-589, it is worth noting that there were several earlier U.S. submarines named Scorpion. One of these, the USS Scorpion SS 278, met a mysterious end in 1944. This submarine, a Gato-class vessel, departed Pearl Harbor on December 29, 1943, and was last seen by the USS Herring on February 16, 1944. No records of her further movements or any indication of her fate were found, leading to her classification as presumed lost on March 6, 1944.

The Modern Loss of USS Scorpion SSN-589

The modern USS Scorpion SSN-589, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, faced a similar enigmatic end in May 1968. Departing Rota, Spain, she was on a return journey to her base at Norfolk, Virginia. The precise route would have taken her through various regions where tensions were high due to the Cold War, including near the Russian naval group at the Azores.

By mid-May, the USS Scorpion did not arrive at her scheduled time. It was then that the U.S. began using its underwater sound network, SOSUS, to track down the missing submarine. Analysis of recordings showed the unmistakable sounds of the Scorpion's hull imploding, leading to the determination of its location in the Azores.

Conclusion and Legacy

While the recovery of the USS Scorpion SSN-589 was attempted, it was deemed unnecessary due to the submerged and imploded condition of the sub. As a deeply buried grave, it was left untroubled and respected in its resting place. The story of the USS Scorpion remains a testament to the complexities and uncertainties of naval history, particularly during times of political and military tension.