The heat generated in the fission process is transferred to pressurized water which in turn transfers heat in a steam generator. Steam from the steam generator turns the main propulsion turbine which drives the propeller. The Lapon, Scorpaena Mystes, is one of a large family, the Rockfishes. This fish inhabits the Pacific Coast of America and within the last twenty years has become a popular food fish. The body is brick red to brown, mottles with olive and brown.
Dark spots occur over the head, body and fins.
There are many spines on the top of the head. The dorsal fin is sharp, with twelve spines. The Lapon grows up to seventeen inches in length. She had an overall length of 311 feet and was designed to carry 24 torpedoes. She was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation in recognition of the ship s outstanding valor during the third through the sixth war patrols.