>From the “Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships,” 

(1969) Vol. 4, p.44.





LANCETFISH





		Lancetfish:  A large voracious, deep sea fish 

(Plagyodus ferox), having long lancetlike teeth and a high 

long dorsal fin.





SS-296



Displacement:

	Surfaced:  1,526 t.

	Submerged:  2,424 t.

Length:  311’8”

Beam:  27’3”

Draft:  15’3”

Speed:

	Surfaced:  20.25 k.

	Submerged:  8.75 k.

Complement:  66

Armament:  1 5”; 2 .50 cal. MG; 10 21” torpedo tubes

Class:  BALAO



	LANCETFISH (SS-296) was laid down 15 December 1942 by 

Cramp Shipbuilding Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; launched 15 

August 1943; sponsored by Miss Beatrice P. Barker; towed to 

Boston Navy Yard 19 May 1944 for completion; and 

commissioned 12 February 1945, Comdr. Ellis B. Orr in 

command.  While tied up alongside Pier 8, LANCETFISH flooded 

through her after torpedo tube and sank 15 March.  She was 

raised 8 days later and decommissioned 24 March.  Assigned 

to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in uncompleted condition, she 

was transferred to the 1st Naval District 27 February 1947 

and was assigned to the New London Group 9 December 1952.  

Her name was struck from the Naval Register 9 June 1958.





Transcribed by Michael Hansen

mhansen2@home.com