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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive


Patch on left contributed by Mike Smolinski, Patch on right by Darryl L. Baker.

Grayback (SSG-574) (APSS-574)
Post Keel Laying - Commissioning

Radio Call Sign: November - Charlie - Mike - Juliet
To Additional Pages

Mock Up & Models
Construction to Keel Laying
Active Service - Sinking (1986)

Grayback Class Missile Submarine: Laid down, 1 July 1954, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA.; Launched, 2 July 1957; Commissioned, USS Grayback (SSG-574), 7 March 1958; Decommissioned, 25 May 1964, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA.; Converted to a Transport Submarine and recommissioned, USS Grayback (APSS-574) in 1968; Decommissioned, 16 June 1984; Final Disposition, sunk as a target near Subic Bay, PI, 13 April 1986.

Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 2,670 t., Submerged: 3,638 t.; Length 322'; Beam 30' 1"; Draft 16' 4"; Speed, Surfaced 20.5 kts, Submerged 15 kts; Complement 9 Officers 75 Enlisted; Armament, up to four Regulus I missiles, or two Regulus II missiles, or two Regulus Is and one Regulus II; eight 21" torpedo tubes, 1 Regulus missile launcher; Propulsion, diesel-electric, twin propellers.
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For Full Size Image		SizeImage DescriptionSource
Grayback1.10kGauging frame height and alignment on tapered sections of the inner hull, 19 Nov. 1954.U.S. Navy photo # 23717-11-54, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.20kConical section of inner hull showing adapter rings in the cradles, 9 Dec. 1954. U.S. Navy photo # 23944-12-54, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback871kSixth section at ways 2, 22 Dec. 1954. U.S. Navy photo # 24040-12-54, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.10kTorpedo tube barrel section. Lands and liners are welded before assembly in jig on 1 Feb. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 24404-2-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.10kStern room pressure hull section showing adapter wings for positioning section in cradle for welding on 18 Mar. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 24903-3-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.20kTorpedo tube barrel, cage and breech sections in final assembly on 25 Apr. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 25177-4-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.00kSection frame 9 to 15 ready for shipment after of disassembly bow section on 21 July 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 26062-7-55,courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.10kTorpedo tube tubes assembly after welding (Starboard Nest)on 18 Oct. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 26856-10-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.10kPort nest torpedo tube tubes ready for welding to bulkhead inserts (looking forward) showing method of marking sequence of increments on 24 Oct. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 26923-10-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.10kBow torpedo tube tubes (starboard nest) – staging set-up for assembly of appendages on 30 Oct. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 26986-10-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.10kTubes in position for installation (starboard nest) on 18 Nov. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 27209-11-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.00kPort and starboard torpedo tubes nests installed shell plating removed (photo from port side) on 23 Nov. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 27240-11-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback927kShell section installed around torpedo tubes nests (photo from port side) on 25 Nov. 1955.U.S. Navy photo # 27277-11-55, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback141kThe bow of Grayback (SSG-574) on the ways at Mare Island on 3 April 1956. Note that she is configured as an attack submarine at this date.U.S. Navy photo # 28741-4-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback255kBow view of Grayback (SSG-574) on the ways at Mare Island on 3 April 1956. Note that she is configured as an attack submarine at this date. The Sargo (SSN-583) is under construction on the ways to the right. U.S. Navy photo # 30138-7-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback245kStern view of Grayback (SSG-574) on the ways at Mare Island on 3 April 1956. The Sargo (SSN-583) is under construction on the ways to the left.U.S. Navy photo # 30139-7-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Sargo & Grayback232kSection 3 of the Sargo (SSN-583) is shown being moved up the building ways at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 19 Jun 1956. The Grayback (SSG-574) is shown on the building ways to the right.US Navy photo # NY9 29805-6-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.1mThe bow section (left) is being moved forward on the building ways to make way for the missile compartment at Mare Island in mid August 1956.U.S. Navy photo # 30705-8-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback966k The bow section is being moved forward on the building ways to make way for the missile compartment at Mare Island in mid August 1956.U.S. Navy photo # 30707-8-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.30kThe bow section is in its new place on the building ways at Mare Island in mid August 1956. Note cables to wenches used to pull the section forward on the ways.U.S. Navy photo # 30710-8-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.30kAft view of the bow section is in its new place on the building ways at Mare Island in mid August 1956.U.S. Navy photo # 30713-8-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Sargo1.30kVarious hull sections for the Sargo (SSN-583) are shown on the building ways at Mare Island on 3 Oct. 1956. View is looking towards the bow of the boat. Grayback (SSG-574) is alongside to the right. U.S. Navy photo # 31450-10-56, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback277kBow view of Grayback (SSG-574) on the ways shown that the bow is being modified for her missile hanger at Mare Island on 9 January 1957. The Sargo (SSN-583) is under construction on the right.U.S. Navy photo # 32690-1-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Sargo216k Stern view of Sargo (SSN-583) on the building ways at Mare Island on 2 April 1957. Grayback (SSG-574) is on the ways to the right.U.S. Navy photo # 33742-4-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback222k Stern view of Grayback (SSG-574) on the ways the day before her launching at Mare Island on 1 July 1957. The Sargo (SSN-583) is on the ways to the left.U.S. Navy photo # 34939-7-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback193kAmidships looking aft plan view of Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island on 1 July 1957.U.S. Navy photo # 37042-10-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback692kGrayback (SSG-574) one day before launch.USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Grayback596kThe spectators gathered for the launching of the Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 July 1957. The yard's first nuclear submarine Sargo (SSN-583) is seen on the ways to the right. U.S. Navy # NY9 35033-7-57, photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback2.30kGrayback (SSG-574) is seen ready for launching at Mare Island on 2 July 1957. The bow of the Sargo (SSN-583) is seen to the right.U.S. Navy photo # 35041-7-57 TH, courtesy of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback117kChristening bottle (California Champagne) & case for the christening of Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island on 2 July 1957.U.S. Navy photo # NY9 34894-6-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.60kMrs. J. A. Moore (Sponsor) is assisted by Capt. E. J. Fahy (Shipyard Production Officer) christen the Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island on 2 July 1957.U.S. Navy photo # 35044-7-57 TH, courtesy of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback503kGrayback (SSG-574) is shown half way down the building ways at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 July 1957. The Sargo (SSN-583) is on the right.U.S. Navy photo # NY9 35073-7-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback367kGrayback (SSG-574) is shown at the end of the building ways at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 July 1957. The Sargo (SSN-583) is on the right. U.S. Navy photo # NY9 35061-7-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback351k(SSG-574) is waterborne after her launching at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 July 1957. U.S. Navy photo # NY9 35063-7-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback103kPostal cover marking the launching of the Grayback (SSG-574) on 2 July 1957 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.Courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback146kFront cover of the Launching Program of the Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 July 1957. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback91kPages 1 & 2 of the Launching Program of the Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 July 1957. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback109kBack cover of the Launching Program of the Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on 2 July 1957. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback132k On 2 July 1957, upon the occasion of the launching of the Grayback (SSG-574), the sponsor was presented with several gifts during the reception which followed the launching. Shown are RADM M. J. Lawrence (Shipyard Commander), Mrs. John A. Moore (Sponsor), Mr. I. H. Whitthorne (President of Master's and Foreman's Association), and Mr. Ernest D. Wichels (President of the Navy Yard Association). Mrs. Moore is the widow of the commanding officer of the 1st Grayback (SS-208). U.S. Navy photo # NY9 35070-7-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.50k Mrs. J. A. Moore (Sponsor), RADM Martin J. Lawrence (Shipyard Commander) and Mrs. R. L. Mayo (Matron of Honor) at the reception following the launching of Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island on 2 July 1957.U.S. Navy photo # 35072-7-57 TH, courtesy of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback132kMrs. John A. Moore, Sponsor of the Grayback (SSG-574) vists the ship in dry dock 4 at Mare Island on 3 July 1957. RADM M. J. Lawrence, USN, Shipyard Commander and Capt E. J. Fahy, USN, Production Officer are seen with her. The building in the background is the yard's machine shop. The cupola in the right corner of the pcture is the periscope test tower for the optical shop which was on the top of the building. Periscopes were suspended from the ceiling and scopes head window projected into the cupola for test and calibration. U.S. Navy photo # NY9 35079-7-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback87kOfficers and crew of the Grayback (SSG-574) at her commissioning ceremony, 3 July 1957. USN photo.
Grayback2.30kGrayback (SSG-574) after her launching about ready to test her Regulus launcher and the sourh end of Mare Island in July 1957.U.S. Navy photo # 40249A-7-57 TH, courtesy of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Sargo1.10kSargo (SSN-583) at her outfitting berth after her launching at Mare Island. Grayback (SSG-574) is aft of Sargo.US Navy photo # 37333-10-57 TH courtesy of Vallejo Naval and Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback1.00kView of the bow of Grayback (SSG-574) at her outfitting berth at Mare Island on 17 December 1957. Sargo (SSN-583) is forward of Grayback.U.S. Navy photo # 8078-12-57, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback147k The front cover of the Commissioning Program for Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on Friday 1 March 1958. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback35k Pages 1 & 2 of the Commissioning Program for Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on Friday 1 March 1958.U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback180k Back cover of the Commissioning Program for Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard on Friday 1 March 1958 which list the ship's company at the time of commissioning. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback117k This is the "Diagram for commissioning Grayback (SSG-574)" at Mare Island on 7 March 1958. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback2.30kGrayback (SSG-574) being moved to her commissioning berth at Mare Island on 7 March 1958.U.S. Navy photo # 38408-3-58 TH, courtesy of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback2.54kA view of the commissioning ceremonies of the Grayback (SSG-574) at Mare Island on 7 March 1958.U.S. Navy photo # 38414-3-58 TH, courtesy of Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback242k The colors are raised for the first time aboard Grayback (SSG-574) during her commissioning ceremonies at Mare Island on 7 March 1958. U.S. Navy photo # 38419-3-58, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Grayback104kGrayback (SSG-574) after her completion at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Her sail is wrapped in bunting and a Regulus I missile is on deck.Photo courtesy of Jane's Fighting Ships" 1959-1960 & submitted by Robert Hurst. Text courtesy of DANFS.
View the Grayback (SSG-574 / APSS-574)
DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site.
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association
Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
Regulus; U.S. Navy's first nuclear missile submarines.
United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Grayback Base
USS (SSG 574) Grayback
Guppy Submarines
HISTORIC SUBMARINE DOCUMENTARY AND TRAINING FILMS
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