USS Lapon (SS-260), a Gato-class submarine, was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the lapon, a scorpionfish of the Pacific coast of the United States of America. Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut 21 February 1942. She was launched 27 October 1942 (sponsored by Mrs. J. B. Oldendorf, wife of Rear Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf), and commissioned 23 January 1943, Commander (CDR) Oliver G. Kirk (Class of 1929) in command.