USS Guardfish SSN-612 Submarine Model. Sail again with the crew of the USS Guardfish SSN-612 in this handcrafted wooden Submarine Model. Each piece is carved from wood and handpainted to provide a piece you’ll love. Length – 20 inches. US Naval Aviator Owned Company. Construction and career The contract to build Guardfish was awarded to New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey on 9 June 1960 and her keel was laid down on 28 February 1961. She was launched on 15 May 1965, sponsored by Mrs. BeLieu, wife of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Guardfish commissioned on 20 December 1966 with Commander Gulmer A. She participated in several submarine operations in the Pacific, steaming over 40,000 miles (64,000 km) in her first year at sea.