About this Unit
USS **Guardfish** (SSN-612) was a Permit-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in December 1966. During the Cold War, Guardfish played a significant role in intelligence-gathering operations, including tracking Soviet submarines in the Pacific. The submarine gained particular distinction in 1972 for its involvement in monitoring Soviet naval movements during heightened tensions. After nearly three decades of service, USS Guardfish was decommissioned in February 1992, marking the end of its distinguished operational history.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Guardfish (SSN-612) was the second U.S. Navy submarine named after the guardfish, a small predatory fish found in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Launch and Commissioning: Guardfish was launched on 15 May 1965 by New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey, and commissioned on 20 December 1966.
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Sturgeon-class Submarine: She belonged to the Sturgeon-class, a group of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines known for their quietness and effectiveness during the Cold War.
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Vietnam War Operations: Guardfish played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, performing intelligence-gathering missions and tracking Soviet and North Vietnamese naval activity.
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Operation Ivy Bells: Guardfish is reputed to have been involved in Operation Ivy Bells, a clandestine mission to tap Soviet underwater communication cables in the Sea of Okhotsk.
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Cuban Missile Crisis Legacy: Though Guardfish was commissioned after the Cuban Missile Crisis, the lessons from that era shaped her Cold War missions, especially in anti-submarine warfare.
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Rescue and Humanitarian Missions: In 1972, Guardfish assisted in rescuing Vietnamese boat people, showcasing her versatility beyond combat roles.
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Notable Commanders: Several of Guardfish’s commanding officers went on to achieve high ranks, including Admiral Richard W. Mies, later Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Strategic Command.
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Deactivation and Recycling: Guardfish was decommissioned on 4 February 1992 and scrapped via the Nuclear-Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1995.
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Honors and Awards: During her service, Guardfish earned multiple commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for her outstanding performance.
