USS Gurnard (SS-254) was a Gato-class submarine of the United States Navy, named after the gurnard, a fish with a large head and armored body. The submarine was launched in 1942 and served during World War II, earning eight battle stars for her service in the Pacific Theater. Gurnard participated in various operations, including patrols in the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. Notably, the submarine conducted a daring rescue mission in September 1944 to save downed aviators in the Pacific. Post-war, Gurnard underwent conversion to a GUPPY IIA configuration to improve her capabilities, including increased underwater speed and endurance. She continued to serve in various capacities, including training exercises and operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The submarine was eventually decommissioned in 1960 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1968. USS Gurnard was then sold for scrap in 1972, ending her distinguished service career. The submarine's legacy lives on through historical records and the memories of those who served aboard her during her active years.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.