Intro
Discover the S-Class Submarine, a World War II naval warfare gem. Learn about its design, capabilities, and wartime service, highlighting its role in Allied victories. Explore its strengths, weaknesses, and notable operations, shedding light on this crucial yet lesser-known vessels impact on the wars outcome.
The S-Class submarines, also known as the "Survivor Class," were a series of submarines built by the United States during World War II. These submarines played a significant role in the war, particularly in the Pacific Theater, where they conducted reconnaissance, attacked enemy shipping, and supported Allied operations. The S-Class submarines were a crucial part of the US Navy's fleet, and their contributions to the war effort were remarkable.
The S-Class submarines were designed and built by the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine, and the Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California. A total of 51 S-Class submarines were constructed between 1918 and 1925, with the first submarine, USS S-1 (SS-105), being commissioned on June 5, 1920. These submarines were designed to operate in the open ocean, with a range of over 2,000 miles and a top speed of 15 knots.

Design and Construction
The S-Class submarines were 231 feet long and 21 feet 10 inches wide, with a draft of 13 feet 1 inch. They had a displacement of 854 tons and a complement of 38 officers and men. The submarines were powered by a pair of 1,000 horsepower diesel engines, which provided a top speed of 15 knots on the surface. When submerged, the submarines were powered by a pair of 120 horsepower electric motors, which provided a top speed of 11 knots.
The S-Class submarines were equipped with six 21-inch torpedo tubes, with 20 torpedoes on board. They also had a 4-inch deck gun and a.50-caliber machine gun for surface combat. The submarines were equipped with a innovative feature - the ability to quickly dive and resurface, thanks to the use of a pair of ballast tanks.
Operational History
The S-Class submarines played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater. They conducted reconnaissance, attacked enemy shipping, and supported Allied operations. The submarines also played a crucial role in the Battle of Midway, where they helped to sink several Japanese warships.
One of the most notable S-Class submarines was the USS S-51 (SS-162), which was commissioned on June 24, 1922. The USS S-51 conducted several patrols in the Pacific, sinking several Japanese ships and earning three battle stars. The submarine was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions during the war.

Modernization and Legacy
The S-Class submarines were modernized several times during their service. In the 1930s, the submarines were equipped with new radar systems and updated communication equipment. During World War II, the submarines were equipped with new sonar systems and updated torpedo tubes.
The S-Class submarines played a significant role in the development of US submarine warfare. They were the first US submarines to be designed for open ocean operations, and they set the standard for future US submarine designs. The S-Class submarines also played a crucial role in the development of US submarine tactics and strategies.
Preservation and Remembrance
Several S-Class submarines have been preserved as museum ships and memorials. The USS S-51 (SS-162) is now a museum ship at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut. The USS S-39 (SS-144) is a memorial at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The S-Class submarines are also remembered through several monuments and memorials. The US Submarine Veterans of World War II Memorial in Hingham, Massachusetts, honors the memory of the S-Class submarines and their crews.

Technical Specifications
- Length: 231 feet
- Beam: 21 feet 10 inches
- Draft: 13 feet 1 inch
- Displacement: 854 tons
- Complement: 38 officers and men
- Power plant: 2 x 1,000 horsepower diesel engines
- Speed: 15 knots (surface), 11 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 6 x 21-inch torpedo tubes, 20 torpedoes, 1 x 4-inch deck gun, 1 x.50-caliber machine gun
Class Ships
- USS S-1 (SS-105)
- USS S-2 (SS-106)
- USS S-3 (SS-107)
- USS S-4 (SS-108)
- USS S-5 (SS-109)
- USS S-6 (SS-110)
- USS S-7 (SS-111)
- USS S-8 (SS-112)
- USS S-9 (SS-113)
- USS S-10 (SS-114)
- USS S-11 (SS-115)
- USS S-12 (SS-116)
- USS S-13 (SS-117)
- USS S-14 (SS-118)
- USS S-15 (SS-119)
- USS S-16 (SS-120)
- USS S-17 (SS-121)
- USS S-18 (SS-122)
- USS S-19 (SS-123)
- USS S-20 (SS-124)
- USS S-21 (SS-125)
- USS S-22 (SS-126)
- USS S-23 (SS-127)
- USS S-24 (SS-128)
- USS S-25 (SS-129)
- USS S-26 (SS-130)
- USS S-27 (SS-131)
- USS S-28 (SS-132)
- USS S-29 (SS-133)
- USS S-30 (SS-134)
- USS S-31 (SS-135)
- USS S-32 (SS-136)
- USS S-33 (SS-137)
- USS S-34 (SS-138)
- USS S-35 (SS-139)
- USS S-36 (SS-140)
- USS S-37 (SS-141)
- USS S-38 (SS-142)
- USS S-39 (SS-143)
- USS S-40 (SS-144)
- USS S-41 (SS-145)
- USS S-42 (SS-146)
- USS S-43 (SS-147)
- USS S-44 (SS-148)
- USS S-45 (SS-149)
- USS S-46 (SS-150)
- USS S-47 (SS-151)
- USS S-48 (SS-152)
- USS S-49 (SS-153)
- USS S-50 (SS-154)
- USS S-51 (SS-155)
S-Class Submarines Image Gallery










What was the main purpose of the S-Class submarines?
+The main purpose of the S-Class submarines was to conduct reconnaissance, attack enemy shipping, and support Allied operations during World War II.
How many S-Class submarines were built?
+A total of 51 S-Class submarines were built between 1918 and 1925.
What was the top speed of the S-Class submarines?
+The top speed of the S-Class submarines was 15 knots on the surface and 11 knots submerged.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about the S-Class submarines, their history, and their significance in World War II. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.