Cutthroat Kids

In 1997, the students of Athol Elementary were asked by the U.S. Navy to name the Navy’s future Large Scale Vehicle. This vehicle, they were told, would be the largest autonomous submarine in the world and would be delivered to ARD Bayview, Idaho in approximately three years for use as a demonstrator vehicle for the advanced technologies anticipated for future submarines. The tests performed on the vehicle would help ensure that the Navy’s submarine force remains the quietest in the world, now and in the future.

The students and teachers were provided with the names of several fish, native to Lake Pend Oreille and Idaho, from which the selection was made. They cast their votes, and in the spring of 1997 the students of Athol Elementary School proudly named the test vehicle, “CUTTHROAT.” An excellent choice for this area, the Westslope Cutthroat, originally found in most streams north of Idaho’s Salmon River, are easily identified by the red slash marks under the mouth. The students and teachers have been a part of the project every step of the way. Students from Athol Elementary and their principal, Mr. Dan Mellick, attended the keel-laying ceremony held in October 1997 and presented the Navy with hand-made projects depicting their heartfelt pride and enthusiasm for the CUTTHROAT.

The Navy and its industry partners (Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation) have continued to keep the students informed of the status of the LSV 2 as it was being built. Rear Admiral Phil Davis visited the school and emphasized the important of their involvement, stating “You’re what we call the sponsors of the submarine. You get to be a piece of its history throughout its life.” In 1999, two students (Chris Anderson and Julia Andrews) won an essay contest. The prize was a trip to the East Coast with Principal Dan Mellick and a parent to view, firsthand, the CUTTHROAT under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding and Electric Boat.

The Christening of the CUTTHOAT on November 15, 2000 brought to fruition the school’s unique involvement with the project. The entire school attended the ceremony and students were invited to sign their names on the hull. Their Principal, Connie McGee, had the honor of christening the CUTTHROAT (LSV 2). The Timberlake Jr./Sr. High School Pep Band, under the direction of Mr. Dan Patterson, provided the music.

The Navy in Bayview and the students and teachers of Athol Elementary School have enjoyed a long and cooperative relationship. Becoming the sponsor of the Navy’s newest Large Scale Submarine Test Vehicle not only strengthens the bond between this community and the Navy, it also serves to enhance the students’ knowledge of America’s submarine force and its importance to our country’s defense.

Bayview
Cutthroat	Cutthroat
Kids signing	Christening
Balloons