USS Blanquillo (SS-323)

A salt water latiloid fish inhabiting the waters of Florida and the West Indies. Also the name applied to a genus of Central and South American crocodilians.

Caiman (SS-323), originally named Blanquillo , was laid down 24 June 1943, at the Victory Yard, Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut. The submersible, a Balao -class boat, was launched 30 March 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Raymond C. Bonjour, President of Periscope Navy Wives Club of New London, Ct.; and commissioned 17 July 1944, Commander John B. Azer in command, at the New London Submarine Base.

Training operations off New London continued until 21 August when she departed for the Fleet Sound School, Key West, Florida. After five days of sonar training she moved to Fort Lauderdale for three days of experimental work for Bureau of Ships and Harvard University Underwater Sound Laboratory. She departed 7 September and, after a short stay in the Canal Zone, Caiman arrived Submarine Base Pearl Harbor 1 October. During the next six weeks she overhauled her hydraulic system, conducted night exercises, and fired practice torpedoes.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Caiman (SS-323)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.