Submarine Skipper

Commander John E. Allen '56, USN, took active command of the nuclear submarine USS Silversides in commissioning ceremonies May 5. The Silversides, launched last year, is the 100 th ship to be commissioned in the Navy's nuclear-powered underseas fleet and is the most advanced ship yet built to the Sturgeonclass design. Capable of operating at a speed of more than 20 knots and at depths below 400 feet, she regenerates her own atmosphere and the duration of underseas operation is limited only by her food supply.

Commander Allen, the youngest submarine skipper in the Navy, is an NROTC graduate of Dartmouth. He began his submarine career in 1958 and served on four underseas craft before being named Prospective Commanding Officer of the Silversides in April 1971. Since then he has completed advanced training with the Division of Naval Reactors, the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, and the headquarters of Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet.

One of the commissioned officers serving under Commander Allen is Lt. John F. Eisold '68, also an NROTC graduate.

Attending the commissioning ceremony from Hanover were Commander Allen's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Allen Jr. '32.