USS Barb (SSN-596)

The USS Barb (SSN-596) was a Skipjack-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine of the United States Navy. She was the second ship of the Navy to be named for the barb, a species of ray-finned fish.

Barb (SSN-596) was laid down on 21 May 1957 by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia. She was launched on 12 February 1958, sponsored by Mrs. Charles Thomas, and commissioned on 24 November 1958, with Commander John P. Craven in command.

As a Skipjack-class submarine, Barb incorporated the revolutionary teardrop hull design pioneered by the USS Albacore (AGSS-569), which significantly enhanced underwater speed and maneuverability. She was powered by a S5W nuclear reactor, allowing for extended submerged operations.

Barb participated in numerous Cold War operations, including deployments to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Details of many of these missions remain classified.

She was decommissioned on 20 December 1989 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 6 April 1990. Subsequently, Barb entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, where she was eventually scrapped.

Although no longer in service, the USS Barb (SSN-596) represents an important chapter in the history of the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarine force and contributed to the nation's defense during a critical period.