The history of the U.S. Submarine Warfare Insignia, commonly known as “Dolphins,” dates back to 1923 when Captain Ernest J. King, then Commander of Submarine Division Three, proposed creating a distinctive badge for qualified submariners. He submitted a pen-and-ink sketch depicting a shield mounted on the beam ends of a submarine, flanked by dolphins forward and abaft the conning tower. The idea was strongly endorsed by the Commander of Submarine Division Atlantic and forwarded to the Bureau of Navigation (now Naval Personnel Command) for further development.

On March 20, 1924, the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation recommended adopting this design, which was approved by Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Acting Secretary of the Navy. Initially, the insignia was worn only while attached to submarine units or commands but later became a permanent badge for qualified submariners in 1941.

“Dolphins” symbolize the identity and prestige of submariners and are considered one of the Navy’s oldest and most challenging warfare badges to earn.

Qualification in submarines is a daunting task. However, once finished you become part of a fellowship that can only be understood by those who have done it themselves. That can only be truly recognized by the very small and special group of men that have the pride and honor of calling themselves SUBMARINERS.

Dolphin History
Qualifying the Boat