Glenard P. Lipscomb was thus larger than similar vessels with conventional drive trains, which resulted in slower speeds due to the greater displacement and wetted area.

Other than the engine room, Glenard P. Lipscomb was generally similar to the Sturgeon class, and although serving as a test platform she was a fully combat-capable attack submarine.

[4] Construction of Glenard P. Lipscomb began on 5 June 1971 at the Electric Boat Company shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.

Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird, a long-time colleague and friend of Glenard Lipscomb, spoke at the keel-laying ceremony.

Suffering slight damage to her towed array housing and propeller, she was required to spend an extra week in drydock to facilitate repairs.