Why is this submarine named Bashaw? "
Thanks to Mrs. Kathleen A. McCarty(nee Bashaw)for the below information.
Well, it's a particular species of catfish from the Mississippi also known
as the 'Flathead Catfish'. It can grow to incredible sizes (an amazing 5 feet
long and 140 lbs is not unheard of with modern fishing equipment). The only
fish in North America that are larger on average are Blue Catfish, Alligator
Gars, and White Sturgeons. During the period the USS Bashaw was built, all USA submarines were named after fish.
The name Bashaw is also mentioned in 'Moby Dick', comparing a particular fish to the ferocious ruler of the Turks, The Bashaw. (Chapter 88, third paragraph)
Also, it's the name of a town in Canada (named after an inveterate gambler
that won the deed to the whole TOWN in a card game!)
So, Ol' Mister Catfish was given quite an important name, and after reading
all I could on the USS Bashaw and how she served this country, I can see
that the name of the submarine has been well earned and deserved. **smiles**