One of the most decorated fast-attack submarines in U.S. Navy history — 15 unit and campaign decorations earned across 33 years of global service.
The Battle Efficiency Award is the pinnacle of submarine readiness — presented to the single most combat-ready unit in its squadron. Earning it once marks excellence; earning it four times marks a crew whose standard of performance stood above the fleet for an entire generation.
USS Albuquerque earned the Battle E four times over her career, a testament to the professionalism and dedication of every crew who served aboard her.
The Navy Unit Commendation is awarded to units that have distinguished themselves by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy, or by extremely meritorious service not involving combat operations. It recognizes unit-level excellence that sets the standard for the force.
One of Albuquerque's Navy Unit Commendations is directly associated with combat operations during Operation Noble Anvil in 1999.
Awarded to units for valorous or meritorious achievement or service in support of military operations. Four Meritorious Unit Commendations reflect the crew's sustained excellence across major operations and exercises spanning the Cold War through the Global War on Terrorism.
In spring 1999, USS Albuquerque was assigned to the Mediterranean as part of a carrier battle group supporting NATO's Operation Allied Force — the air campaign against Serbia during the Kosovo crisis. On tasking from theater commanders, Albuquerque launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) against strategic targets in Yugoslavia.
10 missiles · 4 combat missions · 100% hit rate.
The Combat Action Ribbon is awarded to Navy personnel and units who have engaged or been engaged by an enemy in combat. USS Albuquerque's flawless Tomahawk performance earned the boat this decoration and conferred upon her crew one of the rarest distinctions in the submarine service: combat veteran status. This is what earned her the permanent title "The Sure Shooter of the Submarine Force."
Awarded for operations in designated areas not recognized by campaign medals. Albuquerque's global operational tempo — reaching the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Western Pacific, and beyond — reflects the operational scope this medal represents.
Awarded for service in support of Global War on Terrorism operations. Following 9/11, USS Albuquerque participated in multiple deployments to the Mediterranean and beyond in direct support of GWOT objectives, operating with carrier strike groups and expeditionary forces in contested regions.
Upon USS Albuquerque's decommissioning in February 2017, the New Mexico State Senate passed Senate Memorial SM012 — a formal legislative recognition of the submarine's 33-year service record and the men who served aboard her.
The memorial cites the boat's 1.1 million nautical miles, 21 deployments, 1,000+ dives, combat veteran status, and extraordinary awards record — formally enshrining her legacy in the official record of the state that bears her name.
It is a rare honor: few warships receive formal state legislative recognition. It underscores the connection between USS Albuquerque and the city and state of New Mexico — a bond carried by every sailor who served.