Otter I (YFB-663)
(YFB-663: 1. 77'; b. 20')
The first Otter was named after the animal, an aquatic fish-eating mammal related to the weasel and mink, with webbed and clawed feet and dark brown fur.
The second Otter was named after Lt. B. V. Otter. Born 12 September 1914 at Louisville, Ky., Bethel Veech Otter reported to the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., as Midshipman from Kentucky, 12 June 1933. He received his commission as an Ensign 3 June 1937 and served in connection with the fitting out of Yorktown and at the Submarine Base, New London, Conn., before reporting to Canopus, a submarine tender, 6 February 1940. He was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) 3 June 1940 and to Lieutenant 2 January 1942. He received the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action and distinguished service as Fire Control Officer of Canopus during an attack by Japanese heavy bombers, Mariveles Harbor, Bataan, Philippine Islands, 5 January 1942. He was killed in action on Corregidor, 6 May 1942.
I
The first Otter (YFB-663), a ferryboat, was built in 1906 by the Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N.H. She spent her naval career at Charleston, S.C. Originally named Kite, her name was changed to Otter 12 October 1920. She was struck from the Navy List 3 May 1939.
