USS Marlin (SST-2) facts for kids
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USS Marlin (SST-2) in the late 1950s.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | USS Marlin (SST-2) |
| Namesake | As USS Marlin: The marlin, a large game fish |
| Builder | General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut |
| Laid down | 1 May 1952 |
| Launched | 14 October 1953 |
| Sponsored by | Mrs. William R. DeLoach |
| Commissioned | 20 November 1953, as USS T-2 (SST-2) |
| Decommissioned | 31 January 1973 |
| Renamed | USS Marlin (SST-2), 15 May 1956 |
| Stricken | 31 January 1973 |
| Status | Museum ship, 20 August 1974 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | T-1-class training submarine |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 131 ft 3 in (40.01 m) |
| Beam | 13 ft 7 in (4.14 m) |
| Draft | 12 ft 2 in (3.71 m) |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric, single screw |
| Speed |
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| Complement | 2 officers, 16 enlisted men |
| Armament | 1 × 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tube |
The USS Marlin (SST-2) was a special kind of submarine used by the United States Navy. It was first called USS T-2 (SST-2). This submarine was part of the T-1-class, designed for training. It served from 1953 to 1973. The Marlin was named after the marlin, a fast, large fish. It was one of the smallest submarines the U.S. Navy ever used for active duty.
Contents
Building and Starting Service
The T-2 submarine was started on 1 May 1952. It was built by the Electric Boat company in Groton, Connecticut. The company is part of General Dynamics.
The submarine was launched into the water on 14 October 1953. Mrs. William R. DeLoach was the sponsor. The ship officially began its service, or was commissioned, as USS T-2 on 20 November 1953. Lieutenant Edward Holt was its first commander.
Life at Sea
After a test trip, called a shakedown cruise, near Massachusetts, the T-2 left New London, Connecticut. This was in January 1954. It headed to its home base at Naval Station Key West in Key West, Florida.
The submarine was part of Submarine Squadron 12. It worked for the Submarine Force of the United States Atlantic Fleet. It quickly began operations in the area from southern Florida to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. For about 15 years, it was very useful.
Training and Testing
The Marlin helped train other ships and evaluate new equipment. It also helped test new ways to fight submarines. This was called antisubmarine warfare.
On 15 May 1956, the submarine's name was changed to Marlin. It went to Guantanamo Bay several times to help the Fleet Training Group. These trips were in January 1956, July and August 1958, March 1960, and December 1961.
In March 1963, the Marlin took part in a special event. It was a demonstration for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
From 1963 onwards, the Marlin mostly served as a target. It helped surface ships and aircraft practice their antisubmarine skills. This training happened at the Fleet Sonar School in Key West.
Fleet Operations
Besides training, the Marlin also joined in various fleet operations. For example, from 7 March to 4 April 1965, the Marlin worked with its sister ship USS Mackerel (SST-1).
It also joined other attack submarines like USS Amberjack (SS-522), USS Batfish (SS-310), and USS Chivo (SS-341). They worked with a special group under the Commander, Mine Force. They practiced mine warfare maneuvers together.
End of Service
The Marlin and its sister ship Mackerel were officially taken out of service. This is called decommissioning. It happened on 31 January 1973.
There was a special ceremony for both ships at Naval Station Key West. On the same day, both ships were removed from the Naval Vessel Register. This is the official list of ships in the Navy.
Becoming a Museum Ship
On 15 August 1973, the U.S. Navy gave the Marlin away. It was to be used as a museum ship.
On 20 August 1974, it was placed on display. It became a memorial submarine at Freedom Park. This park is located at the Greater Omaha Marina in Omaha, Nebraska.
