USS Grampus (SS-207)

The grampus is a large cetacean ( Grampus griseus ) of the "blackfish family" commonly referred to as Risso's dolphin. Found in warm seas throughout the world, the dolphin has a blunt head, barrel-shaped body and ranges in color from grey to black. Risso's dolphins swim in groups of 3-50 animals and prefer offshore waters, where they hunt squid, octopi and fish.

The fifth Grampus (SS-207), built by the Electric Boat Co. of Groton, Conn., was launched 23 December 1940; sponsored by Mrs. Clark H. Woodward; and commissioned 23 May 1941 at New London, Lt. Comdr. Edward S. Hutchinson in command.

After shakedown in Long Island Sound, Grampus sailed to the Caribbean with Grayback on 8 September to conduct a training war patrol, returning to New London 28 September. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor found Grampus undergoing post-shakedown overhaul at Portsmouth, N.H., but soon ready for war. On 22 December, she sailed for the Pacific, reaching Pearl Harbor on 1 February 1942 via the Panama Canal and Mare Island.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Grampus V (SS-207)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.