USS Batfish (SS-310)

A spiny fish with a short, broad body which grows to one foot in length. Batfish are generally found in shallow waters from the Chesapeake Bay to the West Indies.

The first Batfish (SS-310) was laid down on 31 December 1942 by the Portsmouth (N.H.) Navy Yard; launched on 5 May 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Nellie W. Fortier; and commissioned on 21 August 1943, Lt. Comdr. Wayne R. Merrill in command.

Following her commissioning, the submarine underwent an extensive shakedown and training period to instruct the crew, over half of whom were yet to qualify in submarines, in combat procedures for diving, attacking, evading, and damage control. Batfish left Portsmouth in mid September, paused briefly at Newport to practice on the torpedo range, and then continued on to New London, Conn. She arrived there on 26 September and, after voyage repairs, underwent additional training in submarine combat routine. She left New London on 15 October to join the war in the Pacific.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Batfish I (SS-310)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.