US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ace Foster
The PUC is the highest unit award in the Department of Defense and is given to “any US military unit that has distinguished itself by outstanding performance and heroism in action against enemy forces,” the Navy explained.
It is unclear what the target of the Washington’s intelligence-gathering missions was.
“The award of the Presidential Unit Citation to the USS Washington is a profound honor, signifying the crew’s exceptional dedication and strategic impact,” said Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, the Submarine Forces commander.
Gaucher added that the submarine’s work “in challenging, high risk environments completing vital national level missions demonstrates the key role our submarines play in ensuring maritime security and global stability.”
Fast-attack submarines, such as the Washington, are a pillar of the Navy’s warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The Washington is a Block III Virginia-class vessel and was commissioned in 2017. It was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in partnership with General Dynamics’ Electric Boat.