USS Darter (SS-576)

USS Darter (SS-576), a unique submarine based on the Tang-class, but incorporating many improvements, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for the darter (fish), a type of small American fresh-water fish closely related to the perch.

The contract to build Darter was awarded to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut on June 30th 1954 and her keel was laid down on November 10th 1954. She was launched on May 28th 1956 sponsored by Mrs. G.L. Russell, and commissioned on October 20th 1956, with Lieutenant Commander Ralph R. Blaine in command.

Designed with sophisticated acoustic, electronic and fire control gear, Darter was intended to serve as a new generation of post-war ASW submarines, similar to USS Tang (SS-563). Darter was used to experiment with numerous innovations including a three-man helmsman-planesman station using aircraft-style stick controls.