Named after the muskellunge, a rare species of fish which can be found in the waters surrounding North America, the USS Muskallunge (SS-262) came to life in 1942 as a Gato-class ship. It was sponsored by Mrs. Merritt D. Graham, widow of Chief Torpedoman Graham who was lost in Grunion (SS-216) during the same year as the submarine was built. The USS Muskallunge was commissioned in 1943 and completed 7 war patrols, for which it earned 5 battle stars. In 1957, the USS Muskallunge was transferred to Brazil and sunk as a target 11 years later.
Asbestos use was highly popular at the time, which is the reason why the USS Muskallunge (SS-262) contained this carcinogenic mineral in the wall insulation, as well as in other components, including boilers, valves, and gaskets. Therefore, people who served on it should pay close attention to worrisome symptoms such as shortness of breath, persisting cough, and chest pain and immediately seek medical attention if they begin experiencing any of them.
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