USS Finback (SS-230), a Gato-class submarine was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the finback, the common whale of the Atlantic coast of the United States. Finback (SS-230) was laid down 5 February 1941 by Portsmouth Navy Yard. She was launched 25 August 1941 (sponsored by Mrs. A. E Watson), and commissioned 31 January 1942, Lieutenant Commander Jesse L. Hull (Class of 1926) in command.