USS Tarpon (SS-175)

USS Tarpon (SS-175)

USS Tarpon (SS-175) was a Porpoise-class submarine of the United States Navy, serving during the early part of World War II. Launched in 1935, Tarpon was one of the submarines that predated the war and saw action in the Pacific Theater. This article provides an overview of USS Tarpon's design, service history, and ultimate fate.

Design and Construction

The USS Tarpon was part of the Porpoise-class, marking a significant step in submarine design for the United States Navy. With a displacement of approximately 1,300 tons submerged, the Tarpon measured 300 feet in length with a beam of 25 feet and a draft of 14 feet. Powered by diesel-electric propulsion, the submarine could reach speeds of up to 19 knots surfaced and 8 knots submerged. Her armament included six forward torpedo tubes, four aft, and a deck gun.

Service History

Commissioned in 1936, USS Tarpon's early service was primarily focused on training exercises and patrols. With the outbreak of World War II, Tarpon was stationed in the Philippines as part of the United States' Asiatic Fleet. She conducted several war patrols in the early stages of the conflict, engaging enemy shipping and laying mines.

One of Tarpon's notable engagements occurred during her second war patrol, where she successfully attacked and sank an enemy transport ship. Throughout her service, Tarpon completed a total of twelve war patrols, contributing to the disruption of Japanese supply lines and operations in the Pacific.

Despite facing several challenges, including mechanical failures and intense enemy countermeasures, Tarpon's crew demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, earning the submarine several battle stars for her wartime service.

Fate

After a distinguished service record in World War II, USS Tarpon was decommissioned in 1945. She was subsequently used as a training ship before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1956. Tarpon was sold for scrap in 1957, marking the end of her service to the United States Navy.

Legacy

The legacy of USS Tarpon (SS-175) lives on through the records of her daring patrols and the valor of her crew. As a testament to the early efforts of submarine warfare in World War II, Tarpon's contributions to the United States Navy's success in the Pacific are remembered and honored.