Stories From the US Submarine Force
Before dawn broke on August 3, 1942, the USS Gudgeon rode low in the Pacific, east of Truk, silent and alert. The day began in darkness, the kind submariners know too well. A world of sweat, tension, and stale air under pressure. At 0440 Kilo time, Gudgeon’s lookouts caught sight of a merchant-type vessel pushing smoke on the horizon, bearing 260 true. She wasn’t moving fast, maybe ten knots, slow enough to tempt a skipper hungry for a clean shot.
Continue reading “Gray Ghost, Red Dawn”
The USS S-33 didn’t start out as a headline boat. She wasn’t sleek or fast, and by the time World War II exploded across the Pacific, she was already a grizzled old hull in a Navy that was rapidly modernizing. But like a lot of things built with care and kept in working order, she still had something left to give. And give she did. Not in flashy battles or dramatic duels at sea, but in hard miles, cold dives, and one final mission that helped pave the way for an American victory in the Aleutians.
Continue reading “One Final Run”
When USS Narwhal SS-167 slipped away on her fourth war patrol, the crew didn’t expect the weeks ahead to feel so long, cold, and cloaked in mist. They were headed for Midway first, a routine leg with training dives and gunnery drills to keep everyone sharp. By July 13, they made it to Midway Lagoon, tied up next to the tender Fulton, and took on over 29,000 gallons of fuel. The crew from Squadron Eight and Fulton gave them everything they needed and more. Spirits were high. Repairs were done quickly. At 1641 local time, they steamed out again, escorted by a friendly bird overhead.
Continue reading “Days of Torpedoes and Thunder”
Patrol Reports 