USS Pilotfish (SS-386), a Balao-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for the pilot fish, a carangoid fish, often seen in warm latitudes in company with sharks. Pilotfish was laid down by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, in Kittery, Maine, 15 May 1943; launched 30 August 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Martha Szolmeczka Scheutz; and commissioned 16 December 1943, Lieutenant Commander Robert H. Close in command. On 3 September, Pilotfish got underway for Pearl Harbor and San Francisco. Pilotfish received five battle stars for World War II service.