 | USS Grayback
SSG-LPSS-SS
Chris Cerami |  |  |  |  |
The Grayback SSG –574 was commissioned 7 March 1958 as part of the Regulus missile deterrent program. She was the first US submarine designed specifically to carry cruise missiles, which were stored in her bow hangars. The Grayback and her sister ship the USS Growler SSG-577 were readily distinguishable from other US submarines in service by their distinctive bow hangars.
It was the Grayback that conducted the first successful launching of a Regulus missile from a submarine in September 1958. This success gave the navy a revolutionary advantage to attack land targets from a submarine. By early 1960 the Grayback was one of five US submarines capable of launching Regulus missiles.
The Grayback, being a conventional boat designed to surface in order to fire her missiles, was decommissioned in 1964 as the navy deployed nuclear submarines. Carrying the new Polaris missiles the nuclear SSBN class subs could launch their missiles while submerged, which ended the Regulus program.
On 9 May 1969 the Grayback was converted and re-commissioned LPSS-574 . In her conversion to a troop transport, the missile hangers were modified in length and decompression chambers were added for swimmer access.
With her modifications, the Grayback entered the Viet Nam conflict. She carried Navy UDT teams, SEALS, South Vietnamese Marines, and SEAL delivery vehicles on special warfare operations through 1972. Her designation was changed again to SS-574 and later decommissioned 16 June 1984. She was sunk as a target 13 April 1986 in Subic Bay RPI.
Sources
1. Gorgon’s Diesel Boat Page
2. Shannon, Lee MIDN 1/C USNR, “The Shadow in the Shallows: A Vision for the Littoral Attack Submarine” web article
3. www.Subnet.com
4. U.S. Beach Jumpers Association web site
5. Subheritage
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