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. Continue reading “USS Swordfish SS-193”
WWII Patrol Reports – January
The month of January was pivotal for the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet throughout World War II, showcasing its growing dominance in the Pacific theater. From the early war’s cautious beginnings to later aggressive campaigns, January consistently highlighted the Silent Service’s ability to strike both military and logistical targets. Across these years, the January campaigns demonstrated the Silent Service’s evolution into a decisive force, crippling Japan’s war machine and cementing its role as a cornerstone of Allied success in the Pacific. Continue reading “WWII Patrol Reports – January”