USS Skipjack (SSN-585)

• Revolutionary Design: USS Skipjack (SSN-585), commissioned in 1959, was the lead ship of her class and the first American nuclear-powered submarine to feature the now-standard teardrop hull, dramatically improving underwater speed and maneuverability. • Record Breaker: During sea trials, Skipjack became the fastest submarine in the world at the time, reportedly reaching underwater speeds of over 30 knots—a closely guarded secret during the Cold War. • First with “All-Ahead Nuclear”: Skipjack was the first submarine to combine nuclear power with a single propeller shaft and the teardrop hull, setting the template for generations of fast attack submarines. • Namesake Heritage: The name “Skipjack” was previously used for a World War II submarine (SS-184), honoring a type of saltwater fish known for speed and agility. • Thresher Search: In April 1963, Skipjack participated in the search for the lost submarine USS Thresher (SSN-593), helping to locate debris and contributing to the investigation. • Silent Service Star: Skipjack’s advanced quieting features and speed made her a critical asset in shadowing Soviet submarines and ships throughout her career, especially during the height of the Cold War. • Hollywood Cameo: In 1967, Skipjack was used for exterior shots in the film Ice Station Zebra, representing a cutting-edge nuclear submarine on a secret Arctic mission. • Unique Reactor: She was the first submarine fitted with the S5W nuclear reactor, a design so successful it was used in dozens of subsequent US submarines for decades. • Operational Longevity: Serving from 1959 to 1990, Skipjack had a distinguished 31-year career, participating in numerous classified operations and exercises. • Decommissioning and Legacy: Skipjack was decommissioned in 1990, but her innovative design and operational record made her one of the most influential submarines in naval history, shaping the development of modern fast attack submarines.