Definition:
The USS Greenfish was a Tench-class submarine of the United States Navy, commissioned during the mid-20th century.
Overview:
USS Greenfish (SS-351) was a diesel-electric submarine built for the United States Navy during World War II. Constructed by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut, the vessel was laid down on June 16, 1944, launched on March 9, 1947, and commissioned on June 28, 1948—after the conclusion of World War II. As a member of the Tench class, it was an improved version of the preceding Gato and Balao classes, incorporating enhanced internal layout and greater underwater performance. The submarine served during the Cold War era, primarily engaged in training, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare readiness missions.
Etymology/Origin:
The name "Greenfish" is derived from a type of marine fish, continuing the U.S. Navy’s tradition of naming submarines after aquatic creatures. The specific identity of the "greenfish" is not definitively established but may refer to a colloquial or regional name for a green-colored fish species, such as certain jacks (Carangidae family) or other pelagic fish known for their greenish hue.
Characteristics:
- Class: Tench-class submarine
- Displacement: Approximately 1,570 tons surfaced; 2,050 tons submerged
- Length: 311 feet 9 inches (95.0 meters)
- Beam: 27 feet 3 inches (8.3 meters)
- Draft: 16 feet 10 inches (5.1 meters)
- Propulsion: Four diesel engines and electric motors, driving two shafts
- Speed: 20.25 knots surfaced; 8.75 knots submerged
- Range: Around 11,000 nautical miles at 10 knots surfaced
- Complement: Approximately 8 officers and 80 enlisted personnel
- Armament: 10 torpedo tubes (6 forward, 4 aft), deck gun, and later modified for training and sonar development roles
The USS Greenfish underwent several modernizations, including a GUPPY (Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program) conversion—specifically GUPPY II—completed in 1951, which improved its submerged speed, endurance, and quieting characteristics.
Related Topics:
- Tench-class submarines
- GUPPY program
- United States Navy submarine development
- Cold War naval operations
- Submarine warfare
- USS Greenling (SS-232) — a similarly named vessel
- Electric Boat Company
The USS Greenfish was decommissioned on January 15, 1971, and subsequently transferred to Brazil under the Security Assistance Program, where it served as Ciudad de Rosario (S-12) before being struck and scrapped. Its service history reflects the evolution of post-World War II submarine technology and Cold War naval strategy.