MuseumShip Blog

93 years ago today, on 17 December 1931, the first fireboat powered by internal combustion engines, John J. Harvey was commissioned.
Fireboat John J. Harvey,  New York, NY

56 years ago today, on 17 December 1969, Iowa-class battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) was decommissioned for a third time, by her CO Capt Robert Charles Peniston, with these words: "Rest well, yet sleep lightly; and hear the call, if again sounded, to provide firepower for freedom."
Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ

81 years ago today, on 16 December 1944, Tench-class submarine USS Torsk (SS-423) was commissioned with Cdr Bafford E. Lewellen in command.
USS Torsk SS-423 at Historic Ships in Baltimore, MD

80 years ago today, on 15 December 1945, Balao-class submarine USS Pampanito SS-383 was decommissioned.
San Francisco Maritime National Park Association, San Francsico, CA

83 years ago today, on 15 December 1942, Balao-class submarine USS Lionfish (SS-298) was laid down at Cramp Shipbuilding Co. Philadelphia, PA.
Exactly 11 years later, on 15 December 1953 she was decommissioned for the 2nd and final time.
USS Lionfish SS298 at Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA