USS Hammerhead (SS-364)

The first Hammerhead was launched 24 October 1943 by Manitowoo Shipbuilding Co. of Manitowoc, Wis.; sponsored by Mrs. R. W. Berry; and commissioned 1 March 1944, Comdr. J. C. Martin in command.

After a month's training in Lake Michigan Hammer head was placed in a floating drydock and towed down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, La., where she arrived 8 April 1944. She subsequently proceeded to Balboa, Canal Zone, for further training, and thence to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The submarine departed Pearl Harbor on her first war patrol 6 June 1944 in company with Steelhead and Parche. Cruising the seas south of Formosa, her first engagement came 9 June when she sank a sampan with gunfire. She then encountered a coastal oiler 29 June and closed for the attack, but the topedoes failed to strike home and a sur-praise aerial attack forced the sub down. Next day Ham merhead damaged several ships of a convoy. She returned to Fremantle, Australia 17 August 1944.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Hammerhead I (SS-364)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.