USS Dolphin

Seven ships of the United States Navy have borne the name USS Dolphin, commemorating the dolphin, a gregarious aquatic mammal having a pointed muzzle, and found in most oceans; also, a swift, spiny-finned fish having a long dorsal fin and iridescent body, and found throughout warm seas.

The first Dolphin, a cutter of the Continental Navy, served during the American Revolutionary War.

The second Dolphin served in the early years of the 19th century.

The third Dolphin served just prior to the American Civil War.

The fourth Dolphin (PG-24), an unarmored cruiser, was involved in what came to be known as the Tampico Incident.

The fifth Dolphin (#874), a 40-foot motorboat, served in a noncommissioned status in the Sixth Naval District during World War I.

The sixth Dolphin (SS-169), the lead ship of her class of submarine, provided reconnaissance during World War II.

The seventh Dolphin (AGSS-555), a unique design, is still in service in 2003 as an experimental platform.