Commissioned in July 1944, USS Blackfin (SS-322) served with distinction in the Pacific during World War II—completing multiple war patrols, sinking enemy merchant and escort vessels, recovering captured Japanese ciphers, and destroying floating mines after Japan’s surrender. Recommissioned during the Korean War era and modernized (GUPPY I‑A), Blackfin continued operations throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia into the 1960s and early 1970s, participating in exercises and goodwill visits before being decommissioned in September 1972. She earned three WWII battle stars and four for Vietnam service