USS Guardfish
There have been two US Navy submarines named USS Guardfish. The first (a Gato- class) was commissioned in 1942 and served until 1960, and the second (a Permit-class) was built in 1966 and stricken in 1962. They were named after a long, narrow, evasive fish with silver-green scales, which easily eluded anglers. Similarly, the submarines were especially adept at escaping enemy fire.
The first Guardfish (SS-217) was built in Groton, Connecticut by the Electric Boat Company and was commissioned in May 1942. She was used extensively during World War II, first in the Pacific near Midway and then in the East China Sea. During both of these patrols, the Guardfish was responsible for sinking many enemy vessels and evaded pursuit by both aircraft and surface ships. She received the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding success during her first two missions.
The Guardfish continued patrols in the Pacific throughout the war. One of her more successful missions occurred during the summer of 1944 when she joined three other subs to make up the famous coordinated attack group called the “Mickey Finns.” These submarines patrolled well-known trade routes near Formosa and were wildly successful in sinking four enemy vessels while evading counter fire from their support ships. Guardfish received a 2nd Presidential Unit Citation for this mission. Following the war, the Guardfish served as a training vessel for the Navy in antisubmarine tactics.
The 2nd Guardfish (SSN-612) was launched in 1965 and commissioned in 1966 in Camden, New Jersey. Compared to her earlier namesake, the Guardfish 612 possessed the ability to run at high speeds and had a long range. She was used to carry out missions in the Pacific until 1992 and received many citations including the Silver Anchor, Silver Dolphin and Meritorious Unit Commendation for her service in helping to keep the peace.
Like the submarines themselves, many sailors who served on the two Guardfish vessels were honored for their service to their country. Unfortunately, they may have faced more danger than they knew. Asbestos was present in quantity aboard both subs, and the hazardous nature of such materials was not entirely understood at the time the vessels were in service. People who worked near asbestos, which was used as an insulator around mechanical parts of the submarines, especially pipes and electrical systems, have shown a likelihood of developing respiratory problems including a cancer known as mesothelioma. Any former sailors who think they may have been exposed on the Guardfish or other workplace should check with a qualified physician.
