Blue/Gold Crew
A manning concept used by the U.S. Navy's ballistic missile submarines where two complete crews alternate deployments, maximizing the time the submarine spends at sea.
The Blue/Gold crew concept was developed for the U.S. Navy's fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to maximize the strategic deterrent value of each extremely expensive boat. Each Ohio-class submarine has two complete crews, designated Blue and Gold, that rotate approximately every 77 days. While one crew takes the submarine on patrol, the other crew is ashore for rest, training, and personal time.
This system allows each submarine to maintain an operational tempo of roughly 70% at sea, compared to the 30-40% typical of attack submarines with single crews. Given that each Ohio-class SSBN carries 20 Trident II ballistic missiles and represents a significant portion of the U.S. nuclear triad, keeping these boats on patrol as much as possible is essential to maintaining credible nuclear deterrence.
The Blue/Gold concept has been so successful that the Navy has expanded it to other platforms, including the Virginia-class attack submarine fleet and the littoral combat ship program. The incoming Columbia-class SSBNs will continue the tradition, with each boat assigned two crews to sustain the continuous at-sea deterrent patrol schedule.
Related Terms
Hot Racking
A berthing arrangement aboard submarines and other crowded vessels where two or three sailors share the same bunk, sleeping in shifts so the bed is never cold.
Carrier Strike Group
A naval formation centered on an aircraft carrier, typically including guided-missile cruisers, destroyers, a submarine, and a supply ship, capable of projecting power anywhere on the globe.
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