USS Gunnel (SS-253)

USS Gunnel (SS-253)

USS Gunnel (SS-253), a Gato-class submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for the gunnel, a blennoid fish of the north Atlantic ranging south as far as Cape Cod.

Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut. She was launched 17 May 1942 (sponsored by Mrs. Ben Morell, wife of the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks), and commissioned 20 August 1942, with Lieutenant Commander John S. "Jack" McCain, Jr. in command.