The USS Grampus is a real-life submarine that served as the basis for Grampus. She also went by A-3.
Biography[]
USS Grampus was launched on July 31th, 1902 sponsored by Mrs. Marley F. Hay, wife of the Union Iron Works Construction Superintendent. The submarine's christening was marred by a failure of the ribbon from which the champagne was hung, leading some sailors to believe she was cursed.
Over the next three and a half years, Grampus operated near San Francisco, California, primarily doing training and experimental work. On April 18th, 1906, men from her crew participated in relief efforts after the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Decommissioned at Mare Island on November 28th, Grampus remained inactive until recommissioned on June 13th, 1908. Subsequently in January 1910, she was assigned to the First Submarine Division, Pacific Torpedo Flotilla, then to the Pacific Fleet in March 1911. The torpedo boat worked off the California coast until moving to the Pacific Reserve Fleet on June 28th, 1912. Towards the end of her service, on November 17th, 1911, Grampus was renamed to A-3.
A-3 remained inactive at the Puget Sound Navy Yard well into 1915. On February 16th, 1915, she was hoisted onto the collier Hector, which sailed for the Philippines with both her and A-5 (ex-Pike), as deck cargo. Hector arrived at Olongapo, site of the Subic Bay Naval Base and, on March 26th, returned A-3 to the water April 10th.
During World War I, A-3 patrolled the waters off the entrance to Manila Bay. On July 17th, 1920, A-3 was given the hull number SS-4. By January 16th, 1922, she was dismantled and used as a target by ships of the Asiatic Fleet.
Trivia[]
- In the episode Regatta, Grampus was to be blown up like A-3, but was luckily saved by the Star Fleet.
Gallery[]
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