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U.S.S. SUNFISH
(SSN-649)Click to view crew list
USS SUNFISH (SSN-649) - a Sturgeon-class attack submarine
In Commission 1969 to 1997SSN-649 Deployments - Major Events
Add a SSN-649 Shellback Initiation | Add a SSN-649 Deployment - Major Event | ||||
Month | Year | to | Month | Year | Deployment / Event |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MAR | 1941 | - | JAN | 1964 | Panama Canal |
JAN | 1965 | - | Keel Date: 15 JAN 1965 at General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division | ||
OCT | 1966 | - | Launch Date: 14 OCT 1966 | ||
MAR | 1969 | - | Commissioned: 15 MAR 1969 | ||
MAR | 1976 | - | MAY | 1976 | North Atlantic |
SEP | 1983 | - | DEC | 1985 | North Atlantic |
DEC | 1984 | - | APR | 1985 | North Atlantic |
JUN | 1991 | - | JUL | 1992 | North Atlantic-Med-Indian Ocean |
JAN | 1992 | - | JUL | 1992 | Mediterranean |
SEP | 1996 | - | Shellback Initiation - 14 SEP 1996 - Pacific Ocean | ||
MAR | 1997 | - | Decommissioned: 31 MAR 1997 |
SSN-649 General Specifications
Class: Sturgeon-class attack submarine
Named for: The ocean sunfish (Mola mola)
Complement: 14 Officers and 95 Enlisted
Displacement: 4035 tons
Length: 289 feet
Beam: 32 feet
Flank Speed: Over 20 knots
Final Disposition: Scrapping via Ship and Submarine Recycling Program completed 31 October 1997
USS SUNFISH (SSN-649)
The second Sunfish (SSN-649) was laid down on 15 January 1965 by the General Dynamics Corp. Quincy Mass.; launched on 14 October 1966; sponsored by Mrs. Robert C. Byrd and commissioned on 15 March 1969 Comdr. Richard L. Thompson in command.
Sunfish spent the period from April to August undergoing shakedown and in various exercises such as torpedo firing sound trials control drills and casualty drills. A short dependents' cruise in late August was followed by post-shakedown availability at Groton Conn. The last two weeks of 1969 were devoted to a leave and recreation period for the crew. Early 1970 was spent in upkeep periods and several short cruises in preparation for an extended deployment. The submarine was deployed from 16 June to 26 August when she arrived at Charleston S.C. and again from 6 October to 1 December 1970.
Sunfish put to sea on 22 January 1971 to participate in a short fleet exercise but operational commitments were changed and she did not return to port until 9 March. The ship made a cruise to Port Everglades Fla. in April which was followed by a fleet exercise. The remainder of the year was spent participating in antisubmarine warfare exercises with destroyers and patrol aircraft.
Sunfish departed Charleston on 3 January 1972 for the Mediterranean and a tour of duty with the 6th Fleet. She returned to her home port on 21 May and entered a stand-down period that lasted until early October when she entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for her first major overhaul. The overhaul was completed in August 1973 and the submarine sailed to New London for refresher training. She touched at Charleston in early November and continued to the Caribbean for sound training and weapon systems tests.
Sunfish returned to Charleston on 9 December 1973
for a leave and upkeep period. She operated along the
east coast from New London to Cape Kennedy until
June 1974. On 25 June
Sunfish stood out of Charleston to begin a period of deployment. As of January
1975
Sunfish was still deployed as a unit of the
United States Atlantic Fleet.
[Note: The above USS SUNFISH (SSN-649) history may or may not contain text provided by crew members of the USS SUNFISH (SSN-649) or by other non-crew members and text from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]