USS Tarpon

USS Tarpon (SS-175), a Porpoise-class submarine, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for the tarpon, a large, herring-like fish found in the warmer parts of the Atlantic Ocean. The USS Tarpon was commissioned on 12 March 1936 and served in the Pacific during World War II, earning seven battle stars for her service.

Design and construction

The USS Tarpon was one of the six submarines of the Porpoise class. She was built by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut, and was launched on 4 September 1935. The submarine was 301 feet long, had a beam of 25 feet, and a draft of 15 feet. She was powered by two diesel engines and two electric motors, which gave her a top speed of 19 knots when surfaced and 8 knots when submerged.

Service history

After her commissioning, the USS Tarpon was assigned to the Submarine Squadron 6 based in San Diego, California. During World War II, she conducted ten war patrols in the Pacific, sinking a total of seven Japanese ships. The submarine also performed lifeguard duties, rescuing downed American airmen.

Decommissioning and fate

The USS Tarpon was decommissioned on 15 November 1945 and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 19 December 1945. She was sold for scrap on 18 June 1947.

Awards

For her service during World War II, the USS Tarpon received seven battle stars. She also received the Submarine Combat Insignia for her successful war patrols.

See also

• List of submarines of the United States Navy
• List of submarine classes of the United States Navy
• List of lost United States submarines