Taking a break from the deep, the crew of the USS Olympia enjoys a rare swim call in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
A Rare Glimpse of Navy Life: Swim Call on the USS Olympia
Today, I was deep in the Bat Cave browsing SOFREP’s archives of millions of military photos when I came across what would become today’s Pic of the Day. I chose it because, frankly, it looks like a hell of a lot of fun. A Navy swim call for the crew of the USS Olympia.
I’m an Army guy and really don’t understand this concept. Maybe some of you Navy folks can help me out a little. I can’t imagine us ever being out on duty around a body of water when our commander, out of the blue, puts out a directive saying something to the effect of, “Hey, why don’t you guys all go put on your civvy board shorts and go splashing around for a bit?”
Don’t get me wrong—I think it’s awesome. It gives me a whole new perspective on the Navy. These guys really know how to have fun and blow off steam every once in a while. Maybe I chose the wrong service.
“And while you’re at it, let’s put a diver in the water and get some really cool high-resolution photos to share with your folks back home and those poor bastards in the Army.” All I know about this photo is that it was taken somewhere in the Pacific Ocean in 2018.
The Legacy of the USS Olympia: A Submarine’s Final Journey
And while we are at it, let’s take this opportunity to learn a little bit more about the USS Olympia (SSN 717), which was named after the city of Olympia, Washington.
The USS Olympia(SSN-717), a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, was officially decommissioned on February 5, 2021, after 36 years of service in the U.S. Navy. Having been commissioned in 1984, Olympia served with distinction across numerous missions, including anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence gathering. Her final deployment concluded on September 8, 2019, marking the end of an era as one of the fleet’s most capable and versatile submarines. She saw a lot of service and served her country well.
Following her return to Bremerton, Washington, in late 2019, Olympia entered the inactivation process, where she was prepared for decommissioning at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The inactivation officially began in August 2020, when the submarine’s systems were safely shut down, and all classified equipment was removed. The decommissioning ceremony, held under COVID-19 restrictions, involved a small gathering and a video production that included messages from past commanding officers.
While important, I won’t bore you with that here. Instead, here is a video of a swim call from the Olympia in 2016. A good time was had by all.
A Rare Glimpse of Navy Life: Swim Call on the USS Olympia
Today, I was deep in the Bat Cave browsing SOFREP’s archives of millions of military photos when I came across what would become today’s Pic of the Day. I chose it because, frankly, it looks like a hell of a lot of fun. A Navy swim call for the crew of the USS Olympia.
I’m an Army guy and really don’t understand this concept. Maybe some of you Navy folks can help me out a little. I can’t imagine us ever being out on duty around a body of water when our commander, out of the blue, puts out a directive saying something to the effect of, “Hey, why don’t you guys all go put on your civvy board shorts and go splashing around for a bit?”
Don’t get me wrong—I think it’s awesome. It gives me a whole new perspective on the Navy. These guys really know how to have fun and blow off steam every once in a while. Maybe I chose the wrong service.
“And while you’re at it, let’s put a diver in the water and get some really cool high-resolution photos to share with your folks back home and those poor bastards in the Army.” All I know about this photo is that it was taken somewhere in the Pacific Ocean in 2018.
The Legacy of the USS Olympia: A Submarine’s Final Journey
And while we are at it, let’s take this opportunity to learn a little bit more about the USS Olympia (SSN 717), which was named after the city of Olympia, Washington.
The USS Olympia(SSN-717), a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, was officially decommissioned on February 5, 2021, after 36 years of service in the U.S. Navy. Having been commissioned in 1984, Olympia served with distinction across numerous missions, including anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence gathering. Her final deployment concluded on September 8, 2019, marking the end of an era as one of the fleet’s most capable and versatile submarines. She saw a lot of service and served her country well.
Following her return to Bremerton, Washington, in late 2019, Olympia entered the inactivation process, where she was prepared for decommissioning at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The inactivation officially began in August 2020, when the submarine’s systems were safely shut down, and all classified equipment was removed. The decommissioning ceremony, held under COVID-19 restrictions, involved a small gathering and a video production that included messages from past commanding officers.
While important, I won’t bore you with that here. Instead, here is a video of a swim call from the Olympia in 2016. A good time was had by all.
Olympia is now slated for recycling through the Navy’s Ship-Submarine Recycling Program, which will involve dismantling the submarine in an environmentally responsible manner.
While she will be gone, she’ll never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of readiness and resilience that will be remembered by those who served aboard her.
—
Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.