Newport News Shipbuilding is preparing to lay the keel for Virginia-class submarine Barb (SSN 804). Named after the tiger barb, a ray-finned fish, the submarine carries a significant historical legacy. It will be the third U.S. Navy vessel to carry the noteworthy name.

The first Barb (SS 220) was commissioned in 1942. The submarine earned four presidential citations, a Navy unit commendation and eight battle stars for service during World War II. SS 220 was decommissioned in 1954.

The second Barb (SSN 596) – built at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division – was commissioned in 1963. Based at Pearl Harbor, it was the designated flagship for the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and took part in special operations in the Vietnamese waters in 1971. The vessel served as a test platform for the Tomahawk cruise missile in 1977 and 1978. SSN 596 was decommissioned in 1989.

Pamela Bove, SSN 804 ship’s sponsor, is married to Rear Adm. Eugene B. Fluckey’s grandson. Fluckey was commander of SS 220 during its legendary service in the Pacific during World War II.