The USS Blueback (SS-581) is a Barbel-class submarine constructed by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Laid down on 15 April 1957 and launched on 16 May 1959, she was commissioned on 15 October 1959 under the command of Lieutenant Commander Robert H. Gautier. As the last non-nuclear submarine to join the United States Navy, Blueback holds the distinction of being the final conventionally powered combat-capable submarine decommissioned from the US fleet, marking the transition to a fully nuclear submarine fleet. Blueback's specifications reflect her design as a Barbel-class vessel, which was characterized by a sleek, streamlined hull optimized for submerged operations. She was powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion, which required her to surface or snorkel for recharging batteries. Her armament primarily consisted of torpedoes, and she was equipped for various types of submarine warfare and reconnaissance missions. Her service history spans from her commissioning in 1959 through decommissioning in 1990. Initially assigned to Submarine Squadron 3 at San Diego, Blueback participated in acceptance trials, fleet exercises, and multiple deployments to the Western Pacific, including support roles during the Vietnam War. She operated extensively in the Pacific, visiting ports such as Yokosuka, Sasebo, Hong Kong, and Subic Bay, and conducted special operations, ASW exercises, and missile evaluations, including serving as a target ship for SUBROC missile tests. Throughout her career, Blueback underwent several overhauls and participated in numerous training exercises, including RIMPAC. She also played a role in testing and evaluation programs, supporting the development of submarine and anti-submarine warfare tactics. Her operational history illustrates her importance in Cold War-era naval strategy. After her decommissioning on 1 October 1990, Blueback was preserved as a museum ship at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, Oregon. She was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, serving as an educational exhibit and a memorial to submarine service. Her preserved state includes a restored radio room with historic and modern communication gear, and her exterior and interior are open for public tours, ensuring her legacy in maritime history.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.