The Deadliest Force On Earth Plans to Party

WASHINGTON - Never one to shy away from honoring its weapons of mass destruction, the U.S. Navy is preparing to party for the submarine's 100th birthday. Observations will take place on Long Island, where the first submarine base was established; in Connecticut, where today's most active base exists; in New York Harbor, where the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum plans a submarine exhibit, and in New Jersey, where the first sub was commissioned. The first-class stamps, to be issued by the U.S. Postal Service, hit the counters in April. The first-day issue is scheduled for the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT. The Smithsonian Institution in D.C. will host a year-long exhibit displaying parts of three decommissioned subs.

Birthday bashes are planned for every port, as well as Washington, D.C., including Kings Bay, GA, Charleston, SC, and Bangor, WA. A prayerful attitude will be appreciated at a special "blessing of the fleet" to take place at the Navy Memorial in D.C.

The first submarine purchased in 1900 cost $160,000; today the price of a Trident is $2,500,000,000 - without missiles.