Piper (originally named Awa)[7][page needed] was laid down 15 March 1944 by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, in Kittery, Maine; launched 26 June 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Charles W. Wilkins; commissioned 23 August 1944.

Piper spent the period from 15 February to 24 March off the south and southeast coasts of Honshū serving alternately on independent patrol and lifeguard duty for the then intensive B-29 and carrier strikes against Japan.

The last four days before departure were spent guarding the approaches to Bungo Suido against a possible Japanese sortie against the badly-damaged carrier Franklin (CV-13).

Piper arrived at Midway 30 March 1945 for refit and training, and departed 26 April for her second war patrol in another wolf pack.

On 1 July 1957, Rear Admiral Charles W. Wilkins, Commander Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet selected Piper as his flagship.

In 1958, after completing almost a full year as Flagship of the Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet, Piper was relieved by Seawolf (SSN-575).

During 1964, in conjunction with Atlantic Fleet exercises, Piper together with USS Sea Robin (SS-407) visited Portsmouth, England and Rotterdam, Netherlands.

After an overhaul in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during the first six months of 1965, Piper sailed for the first of two Caribbean deployments 15 October, returning from the second 10 April 1966.

On 22 March 1967, Piper's main storage battery had deteriorated to the extent that the ship was restricted to surface operations.

On 15 June Piper was reclassified as AGSS-409 and the next day she was placed "out of commission, special", and replaced Cero (SS-225) as the Detroit, Mich., Naval Reserve Training submarine.