From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

A voracious shark found in warm seas, with a curious hammerlike head.

(SS(N) - 663: dp. 3,800(surf.), 4,600(subm.); l. 292'3"; b. 31'8''; s. over 20 k.; cpl. 107; a. 4 21" tt.; cl. Sturgeon)

The second Hammerhead (SS(N)-663), a Sturgeon-class nuclear submarine, was laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Newport News, Va., 29 November 1965; launched 14 April 1967 and sponsored by Mrs. O. Clark Fisher. The commissioning of the nuclear submarine is scheduled for the spring of 1968 [Transcriber's note: June 28, 1968]. A key element in the underwater deterrent force of the Navy she contributes to the vital, continuing task of "keeping the peace" over the vast reaches of global waters. Designed to attack and destroy all types of enemy ships, she is able to operate for long periods at great depths and at high submerged speed, making her a potent and effective challenge to enemy submarines. Operating under nuclear power, she also can conduct long-range reconnaissance patrols and surveillance missions without risking detection by surface ships. Moreover, she is able to carry out extensive ASW operations, either alone or with other fleet submarines and destroyer-type surface ships.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)