USS Tang (SS-563)

USS Tang (SS-563)

USS Tang (SS/AGSS-563), the lead ship of her class was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for the tang.

She was the first American submarine designed (as opposed to modified) under the Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program (GUPPY) for underwater performance rather than surfaced speed and handling. Key features included removing the deck guns, streamlining the outer hull, replacing the conning tower with a sail, installing new propellers designed for submerged operations, installing more air conditioning and a snorkel mast, and doubling the battery capacity.

The contract to build her was awarded to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on 16 May 1947. Her keel was laid down on 18 April 1949. She was launched on 19 June 1951 sponsored by the wife of Richard H. O'Kane, and commissioned on 25 October 1951 with Commander Enders P. Huey in command.