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History of USS Flying Fish (SSN-673)

USS **Flying Fish** (SSN-673) was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on April 1, 1970. Built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, she served during the Cold War, participating in numerous vital surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions. Flying Fish conducted several deployments to the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting NATO operations and tracking Soviet naval activity. After nearly 25 years of service, she was decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on May 16, 1996.

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ABOUT USS Flying Fish (SSN-673)

  • Unique Namesake: USS Flying Fish (SSN-673) is the third U.S. Navy ship named after the flying fish, a species known for its ability to leap out of the water and glide above the surface.
  • Sturgeon-class Submarine: She was part of the Sturgeon-class, a series of fast attack nuclear-powered submarines designed during the Cold War for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence missions.
  • Commissioning: USS Flying Fish was commissioned on April 1, 1970, at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
  • Cold War Service: Throughout her career, the submarine conducted numerous covert operations and surveillance patrols in the Atlantic Ocean, often shadowing Soviet submarines and vessels.
  • Arctic Operations: In 1977, the Flying Fish became one of the first submarines to surface at the North Pole, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's ability to operate under and through Arctic ice.
  • Overhaul and Upgrades: The submarine underwent a major overhaul from 1982 to 1984, receiving modern equipment and weapons systems to keep her at the forefront of submarine technology.
  • Rescue Mission: In 1981, Flying Fish played a key role in rescuing the crew of a disabled U.S. submarine during exercises in the North Atlantic, showcasing her crew’s expertise and readiness.
  • Humanitarian Efforts: During her service, the submarine occasionally participated in community outreach and humanitarian efforts during port visits, strengthening ties with allied nations.
  • Decommissioning: USS Flying Fish was decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on May 16, 1996, after 26 years of distinguished service.
  • Legacy: Parts of the submarine, such as her sail and rudder, are preserved and displayed at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, as a tribute to her history.

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