Function: The USS Dolphin (AGSS 555) is the Navy's only operational, diesel-electric, deep-diving, research and development submarine.





History: Shortly after her commisioning in 1968, the USS Dolphin established an unmatched world depth record for operational submarines. The submarine has since amassed an impressive record of scientific and military accomplishments, and now serves as a unit of the U.S. Naval Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, under Commander, Submarine Development Squadron Five. Dolphin is home ported in San Diego and berthed at NCCOSC RDTE Division (NRaD) Pier 160. Employed by both civilian and Navy activities, the research submarine is equipped with an extensive instrumentation suite that supports missions such as acoustic deep-water and littoral research, near-bottom and ocean surveys, weapons launches, sensor trials, and engineering evaluations.





Description: Because she was designed as a test platform, USS Dolphin can be modified both internally and externally to allow installation of up to 12 tons of special research and test equipment. The submarine has internal and external mounting points, multiple electronic hull connectors, and up to 10 equipment racks for project use.





General Characteristics, USS Dolphin



Builders:

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard





Power Plant:

Diesel/Electric; 2 GM 12-cylinder, 425 HP engines





Date Deployed:

August 17, 1968







Length, Overall:

165 feet (50.29 meters)







Beam:

8 feet (2.44 meters)







Displacement:

950 long tons (965.25 metric tons) full load





Diameter:

18 feet (5.49 meters)





Maximum Operating Depth:

3,000 feet (914.40 meters)





Crew:

5 officer, 46 enlisted, and up to 5 scientists







Armament:

None