Dolphin - Flexibility for submarine research and development

The USS DOLPHIN (AGSS-555) is the U. S. Navy's deep-diving research submarine designed to test advanced submarine structures, sensors, weapons and machinery systems. Purely experimental in nature, she serves as a platform for scientific investigation at unprecedented depths for a fully operational and independent submarine. Utilizing its large payload (over 11 metric tons) and highly versatile instrumentation suit, many civilian and Navy activities have employed DOLPHIN for testing a multitude of technologically advanced and complex equipments. DOLPHIN operates as a unit of the U. S. Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet, under Commander, Submarine Development Group ONE. Long-range project planning is performed by the DOLPHIN Advisory Group of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D. C. Technical project guidance and local scheduling/ coordination is handled by the DOLPHIN Project Branch of the Naval Ocean Systems Center in San Diego, where DOLPHIN is homeported.