Stories From the US Submarine Force
In the waning days of 1943, Warner Bros. released Destination Tokyo, a submarine adventure film headlined by Cary Grant and John Garfield. Packed with tension and torpedoes, the story followed the fictional USS Copperfin on a secret mission into the heart of enemy territory, gathering weather data to support the Doolittle Raid. The film thrilled audiences and stirred patriotism, delivering a clear message: America’s submariners were silent, bold, and brave.
Continue reading “An El Dorado Boy”
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”
Patrol Reports 