USS Lionfish facts for kids
The USS Lionfish (SS-298) was a special type of submarine called a Balao-class submarine. It was named after the lionfish, a colorful fish from the Pacific Ocean. Today, the Lionfish is a National Historic Landmark. You can visit it at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts, where it's a Museum ship.
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USS Lionfish
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Lionfish |
| Namesake | Lionfish |
| Builder |
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| Yard number | 553 |
| Laid down | 15 December 1942 |
| Launched | 7 November 1943 |
| Sponsored by | Mrs. Harold C. Train |
| Commissioned | 1 November 1944 |
| Decommissioned | 16 January 1946 |
| Recommissioned | 31 January 1951 |
| Decommissioned | 15 December 1953 |
| Stricken | 20 December 1971 |
| Status | Museum ship at Battleship Cove, Fall River, Massachusetts since 30 August 1972 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Balao-class submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 311 ft 6 in (94.95 m) |
| Beam | 27 ft 3 in (8.31 m) |
| Draft | 16 ft 10 in (5.13 m) maximum |
| Propulsion |
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| Speed |
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| Range | 11,000 nmi (20,000 km; 13,000 mi) surfaced at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph) |
| Endurance |
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| Test depth | 400 ft (120 m) |
| Complement | 10 officers, 70–71 enlisted |
| Armament |
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USS Lionfish (SS-298)
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 Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Fall River, Massachusetts |
| Built | 1943 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002270 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 30 September 1976 |
| Designated NHL | 14 January 1986 |
Contents
Building and Starting Service
The Lionfish started being built on December 15, 1942. It was launched into the water on November 7, 1943. Mrs. May Philipps Train, whose husband was a Rear Admiral, was the sponsor. The submarine officially joined the United States Navy on November 1, 1944. Its first leader was Lieutenant Commander Edward D. Spruance. He was the son of a famous World War II admiral, Raymond Spruance.
World War II Missions
After practicing off New England, the Lionfish began its first war patrol. This mission started on April 1, 1945, in Japanese waters. Just ten days later, the submarine had to quickly avoid two torpedoes. These were fired by a Japanese submarine.
On May 1, the Lionfish used its deck guns to sink a Japanese schooner. Later, it met up with another submarine, the USS Ray (SS-271). The Lionfish then helped transport United States Army Air Forces B-29 bomber survivors. It took them to Saipan in the Mariana Islands. After that, it went to Midway Atoll for supplies.
The submarine started its second war patrol on June 2, 1945. On July 10, it fired torpedoes at a Japanese submarine, I-162. The crew heard explosions and saw smoke. However, the I-162 was not damaged. The Lionfish later fired on two more Japanese submarines.
The Lionfish finished its last war patrol by helping downed pilots. It performed "lifeguard duty" off the coast of Japan. When World War II ended on August 15, 1945, the submarine headed home. It was taken out of service on January 16, 1946. This happened at the Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California.
After World War II
The Lionfish was put back into service on January 31, 1951. It then went to the United States East Coast for training trips. The submarine took part in NATO exercises. It also went on a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea. After these missions, it returned to the East Coast. The Lionfish was taken out of service again on December 15, 1953. This happened at the Boston Navy Yard.
In 1960, the submarine was used for training. It became a reserve training submarine. It was located in Providence, Rhode Island.
A Museum Ship
In 1971, the Lionfish was officially removed from the Navy's list of ships. In 1973, it became a permanent display. It is now a memorial at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts. The Lionfish is one of the most popular exhibits there.
The Lionfish was never changed into a GUPPY submarine. This means it is one of the few American World War II submarines. It still looks the way it did when it was first built. Because it is so well-preserved, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Awards and Honors
The USS Lionfish received several awards for its service:
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one battle star
- World War II Victory Medal
- Navy Occupation Medal with "EUROPE" clasp
- National Defense Service Medal
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