USS Salmon (SS-182)

A soft-finned, gamy fish which inhabits the coasts of America and Europe in northern latitudes and ascends rivers for the purpose of spawning. Salmon are highly valued for their rich, succulent meat.

The second Salmon (SS-182) was laid down on 15 April 1936, at Groton, Conn., by the Electric Boat Co.; launched on 12 June 1937; sponsored by Miss Hester Laning, daughter of Rear Adm. Harris Laning (Ret.); and commissioned on 15 March 1938, Lt. Marvin M. Stephens in command.

Following her shakedown training and trials along the Atlantic coast that ranged from the West Indies to Nova Scotia, Canada, Salmon joined Submarine Division (SubDiv) 15, Squadron 6, of the Submarine Force, U.S. Fleet, at Portsmouth, N.H. As flagship of her division, she operated along the Atlantic coast until she relinquished the broad pennant to Snapper (SS-185) late in 1939, as the division shifted to the Pacific Fleet at San Diego, Calif. Salmon operated along the west coast through 1940 and the greater portion of 1941. Late that year, she was transferred with her division and submarine tender Holland (AS-3) to the Asiatic Fleet. On 18 November, Holland , Salmon , Skipjack (SS-184), Sturgeon (SS-187), and Swordfish (SS-193) arrived at Manila and the boats served as SubDiv 21 to bolster U.S. and Filipino defenses in the Philippines.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Salmon II (SS-182)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.