Admiral John S. McCain’s naval career, intertwined with the legacy of service passed down through generations of his family, stands as a testament to a life dedicated to the United States Navy. Born into a distinguished lineage of naval officers, McCain was destined to follow in the formidable footsteps of his father, Admiral John S. McCain Sr., and his grandfather, a respected four-star admiral. Despite the rebellious nature that characterized his early years at the U.S. Naval Academy, McCain graduated and embarked on a path that would mark him as one of the most influential figures in submarine warfare. Continue reading “Admiral John S. McCain”
Admiral John S. McCain
The USS Swordfish (SS-193), a Sargo-class submarine, represented the vanguard of undersea warfare during World War II. Built at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard and launched in 1939, the Swordfish earned a reputation as a reliable and effective weapon in the Pacific theater. Her record of twenty-one confirmed sinkings, amassing 113,100 tons, reflected her crew’s skill and tenacity. However, her final mission in January 1945 marked the end of her storied service, shrouded in mystery and loss. 
The USS Argonaut was more than a submarine; she was a bold experiment in the U.S. Navy’s quest to master long-range undersea warfare. Commissioned in 1928, she was the largest non-nuclear submarine ever built by the United States at that time, with a displacement exceeding 4,000 tons and an imposing length of 381 feet. Designed primarily as a minelayer, Argonaut was a product of an evolving strategy that prioritized endurance and strategic versatility over speed. Her construction embodied innovation, featuring complex minelaying capabilities and pioneering use of welding techniques. While her early career was marked by mechanical issues and limited success, she remained a testament to the Navy’s ambition and adaptability. 
Patrol Reports 