USS Skipjack (SSN-585) USS Skipjack (SSN-585) USS "Skipjack" (SSN-585), the lead ship of her class of nuclear-powered attack submarine, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named after the Skipjack tuna. Her keel was laid down on 29 May 1956 by the Electric Boat Division of the General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on 26 May 1958, sponsored by Helen Mahon, wife of Representative George H. Mahon from the 19th District of Texas, and commissioned on 15 April 1959 with Commander W. W. Behrens, Jr., in command. On the "Skipjack", there were many design changes that
Kathryn (skipjack) half interest, again for "$5.00 etc." and served as her captain. She received a major rebuild in 1954 at the Krentz Marine Railway in Harryhogan, Virginia, which was published in "Chesapeake Sailing Craft". In 1963 Wheatley became "Kathryn's" full owner. Johnnie R. Parkinson, Jr. bought "Kathryn" in 1975 for $18,000 and moved her to Crisfield. She was sold in 1981 to Herman Russell Dize (whose father had worked aboard "Kathryn" 70 years before) and William James Roe, Jr. Capt. Harold "Stoney" Whitelock of Dames Quarter, Maryland purchased "Kathryn" in 2008 and is currently working to restore her. Kathryn (skipjack) The