USS Tullibee (SS-284)

USS Tullibee (SS-284)

USS Tullibee (SS-284), a Gato-class submarine, was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the tullibee, a whitefish of central and northern North America. Her keel was laid down on April 1, 1942 at Mare Island, California, by the Mare Island Navy Yard. She was launched on November 11, 1942 sponsored by Mrs. Kenneth C. Hurd; and commissioned on February 15, 1943, Commander Charles F. Brindupke in command.

Tullibee held shakedown training from April 8-30 1943 and departed for Hawaii on May 8. She arrived at Pearl Harbor on May 15 and held further training exercises in Hawaiian waters. Numerous air fitting leaks developed, and she was docked for repairs twice. When this proved ineffective, the submarine entered the navy yard until July 11.