Dolphin History: Submarine Warfare Qualification Insignia has been adopted by the US Navy for 100+ years

On 13 June 1923, Captain E.J. King, Commander, Submarine Division Three (later Fleet Admiral and Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, during WW II), suggested to the Secretary of the Navy (Bureau of Navigation) that a distinguishing device for qualified submariners be adopted. He submitted a pen-and-ink sketch of his own showing a shield mounted on the beam ends of a submarine, with dolphins forward of, and abaft, the conning tower. The suggestion was strongly endorsed by Commander Submarine Division Atlantic.

Learn more on the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association. Image courtesy of Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.