USS Queenfish (SSN-651)

The USS Queenfish (SSN-651) was a United States Navy Sturgeon-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. She was the second ship of the Navy to be named for the queenfish, a type of fish.

Construction and Commissioning:

The Queenfish's keel was laid down on 27 July 1965 by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on 21 July 1967, sponsored by Mrs. J. William Middendorf II, and commissioned on 27 April 1968, with Commander William E. Ramsey in command.

Operational History:

Throughout her career, the Queenfish operated extensively throughout the world's oceans, performing various missions typical of attack submarines, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, intelligence gathering, and fleet exercises. Specific details on individual deployments and missions are often classified. Her service included participation in numerous NATO exercises and operations in various theaters.

Decommissioning:

The Queenfish was decommissioned on 23 June 1990 and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

Fate:

Following decommissioning, the Queenfish was disposed of through the Navy's Ship Recycling Program. The exact method and date of disposal are not publicly available.

Specifications (general):

While precise details are classified, the Queenfish, as a Sturgeon-class submarine, possessed characteristics common to that class, including a nuclear propulsion system providing significant range and endurance, advanced sonar and sensor systems for detecting and tracking other vessels, and torpedo tubes for launching various weapons. She was equipped for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

Further Research:

More detailed information on the operational history of the USS Queenfish (SSN-651) may be available through archival research at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Naval History and Heritage Command, or other appropriate military archives. Due to the classified nature of many submarine operations, much of the detailed information remains unavailable to the public.