High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! USS Bashaw (SS/SSK/AGSS-241), a Gato-class submarine, was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the bashaw, a catfish. Bashaw was laid down on 4 December 1942 by Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.. She was launched on 25 July 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Norman S. Ives, wife of Captain Ives, and commissioned on 25 October 1943, Lieutenant Commander Richard E. Nichols in command. Bashaw arrived at Milne Bay, New Guinea on 3 March 1944. From 10 March 1944-29 April 1945, she completed six war patrols in the Celebes, Philippine, and South China Seas. Bashaw sank three Japanese merchant vessels - totaling 19,269 tons - as well as several small craft.