Bluefish SS-222

 

 

SSBN602

Bluefish

Bluefish is a fish of the Atlantic coast of the United States.

(SS-222: dp. 1526; 1. 311'9"; b. 27'3"; dr. 17'; s. 20.3 k.;
cpl. 60; a. 14", 10 21" TT.; cl. Gato)

Bluefish (SS-222) was launched 21 February 1943 by Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.; sponsored by Mrs. Robert Y. Menzie; and commissioned 24 May 1943, Commander G. E. Porter in command.

Bluefish departed New London, Conn., 21 July and reported to TF 72 at Brisbane, Australia, 21 August 1943. Between 9 September 1943 and 29 July 1945 she completed nine war patrols. Her operating area extended from the Netherlands East Indies to the waters south of Honshu. Bluefish sank 12 Japanese ships totaling 50,839 tons, including the destroyer Sanae, 18 November 1943 in 04*52' N., 122*07' E.; the submarine 1-351, 15 July 1945 in 04-30' N., 110-00' E.; and a submarine chaser. In addition Bluefish assisted Puffer (SS 268) in sinking a 5135ton tanker.

With the cessation of hostilities Bluefish returned to the United States, arriving at Philadelphia Navy Yard 9 October. She was placed in the 16th Fleet and on 31 October moved to the Submarine Base, New London. She was later towed to Electric Boat Co., Groton, where she underwent repairs. On 12 June 1946 she returned to New London where she went out of, commission in reserve 12 February 1947.

Bluefish was recommissioned 7 January 1952 at the Submarine Base, New London, and reported to Submarine Division 82, Atlantic Fleet. On 7 April she proceeded to Key West, Fla., and reported to Submarine Division 41 on 11 April. She operated along the Florida coast and in the Caribbean, engaging in local operations and training exercises until May 1953.

On 7 June 1953 Bluefish arrived at the Naval Base, Portsmouth, N. H. Following pre-inactivation overhaul at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, she was placed out of commission in reserve at New London 20 November 1953 3.

Bluefish received nine battle stars for her World War II service.