From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

A large sea turtle.

(SS(N) - 666: dp. 4,630 (f.); l. 292'; b. 32')

The second Hawkbill (SS(N)-666), a Sturgeon-class nuclear submarine, was laid down by Mare Island Division, San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, Calif., 12 September 1966, and is to be launched in the summer of 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 is also capable of conducting long-range reconnaissance patrols and surveillance missions without risking detection by surface ships. Moreover, she can carry out extensive ASW operations, either alone or with other fleet submarines and destroyer-type surface ships.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)