Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

USS Skipjack (SSN-585)

U.S. Navy•12 members

USS Skipjack (SSN-585) Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the USS Skipjack (SSN-585)?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

USS Skipjack (SSN-585)

U.S. Navy

USS Skipjack (SSN-585) was the lead ship of her class and the first nuclear-powered submarine to incorporate the revolutionary teardrop-shaped hull design, which greatly enhanced underwater speed and maneuverability. Commissioned on April 15, 1959, Skipjack set new standards for submarine performance and served as a prototype for future fast-attack submarines of the U.S. Navy. Throughout her career, she participated in numerous Cold War patrols and exercises, demonstrating the effectiveness of nuclear propulsion and modern submarine tactics. After over 30 years of service, USS Skipjack was decommissioned on April 19, 1990.

About USS Skipjack (SSN-585)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

USS Skipjack (SSN-585)

U.S. Navy•12 members

USS Skipjack (SSN-585) Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the USS Skipjack (SSN-585)?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

USS Skipjack (SSN-585)

U.S. Navy

Unit members

U.S. Navy Veteran

U.S. Navy Veteran

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1972 - 1975

Message View Profile

Mcdonald Davis

U.S. Navy · 1966 - 1967

Message View Profile

View all members

Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

View all photos

About USS Skipjack (SSN-585)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.