About this Unit
USS **Trout (SS-566)** was a Tang-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1952. Named after the fish, she was the second ship to bear the name and conducted numerous Cold War patrols and training missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Throughout her service, Trout participated in anti-submarine warfare exercises and supported fleet operations, enhancing U.S. undersea capabilities. Decommissioned in 1978, she was later transferred to the Iranian Navy but never saw active service there due to the Iranian Revolution.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS Trout (SS-566) was the second U.S. Navy submarine named after the trout, a fish highly valued for sport and food, reflecting the Navy tradition of naming submarines after fish and sea creatures during that era.
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Tang-class Submarine: She was a Tang-class submarine, a class known for incorporating advanced post-World War II technology, including improvements in sonar, fire control, and underwater endurance.
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Commissioning: USS Trout was launched on 21 August 1949 and commissioned on 27 June 1951, entering service as the U.S. Navy was transitioning to the Cold War era.
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Cold War Service: Throughout her active years, Trout performed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, patrols, and intelligence-gathering missions, playing a significant role in America's Cold War submarine force.
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SubSafe Modifications: After the loss of USS Thresher in 1963, Trout underwent extensive SubSafe modifications, enhancing her safety features and structural integrity, a testament to the Navy’s commitment to submarine safety.
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First Submarine to Transit St. Lawrence Seaway: In 1959, USS Trout became one of the first submarines to transit the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway, demonstrating U.S. naval reach into the Great Lakes.
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International Engagements: Trout frequently participated in NATO exercises and visited multiple foreign ports, strengthening alliances with countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
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Film Appearance: USS Trout appeared in the 1959 film On the Beach, standing in for the fictional USS Sawfish, bringing Hollywood and the U.S. Navy closer together for public outreach.
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Transfer to Iran: Decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in 1978, Trout was transferred to the Imperial Iranian Navy and renamed IIS Kousseh (SS 101), reflecting U.S. military cooperation with Iran before the 1979 revolution.
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Uncertain Fate: After the Iranian Revolution, the ex-Trout’s fate became unclear; she was reportedly cannibalized for parts and never returned to operational service, marking a mysterious end to a storied vessel.
