USS Finback

USS Finback was a Gato-class submarine that served in the United States Navy during World War II, playing a significant role in the Pacific Theater alongside other notable submarines like the USS Wahoo and USS Harder. The USS Finback was named after the finback whale, a species of whale found in Atlantic and Pacific waters, and was sponsored by Mrs. Theodore D. Watson, wife of Captain Theodore D. Watson, a United States Naval Academy graduate. The submarine was built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, with Captain James A. Lewis serving as its first commanding officer.

● USS Finback (SS-230)

The USS Finback (SS-230) was a Gato-class submarine built by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and commissioned on January 31, 1942, with Captain James A. Lewis in command. The submarine was 312 feet long, with a beam of 27 feet and a draft of 16 feet, and was powered by a pair of General Motors diesel engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 20 knots. The USS Finback was armed with ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, one 4-inch deck gun, and two .50-caliber machine guns, making it a formidable opponent in the Pacific Theater. The submarine's crew consisted of six officers and seventy-four enlisted men, including notable sailors like Lieutenant Commander Samuel D. Dealey and Lieutenant Commander Richard H. O'Kane.

● History

The USS Finback played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, conducting numerous patrols and engaging enemy ships, including the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryujo. The submarine also participated in the Battle of Midway, where it sank several Japanese Navy ships, including the Japanese destroyer Mikazuki. The USS Finback worked closely with other United States Navy ships, such as the USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown, to achieve victory in the Pacific War. The submarine's actions were supported by Allied forces, including the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy, and were coordinated by notable commanders like Admiral Chester Nimitz and Admiral William F. Halsey Jr..

● Service history

The USS Finback's service history began on January 31, 1942, when it was commissioned at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The submarine conducted its first patrol in the Atlantic Ocean, but soon transitioned to the Pacific Theater, where it spent the majority of its service. The USS Finback conducted numerous patrols, sinking several enemy ships, including the Japanese tanker Tatekawa Maru and the Japanese freighter Kazan Maru. The submarine also rescued several United States Army Air Forces pilots, including Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle and Captain Ted W. Lawson, who were shot down during the Doolittle Raid. The USS Finback worked closely with other United States Navy submarines, such as the USS Triton and USS Pollack, to achieve victory in the Pacific War.

● Awards and legacy

The USS Finback received several awards for its service during World War II, including five Battle Stars and the Presidential Unit Citation. The submarine was also awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its actions during the Battle of Midway. The USS Finback's legacy extends beyond its service during World War II, as it played a significant role in the development of United States Navy submarine doctrine and tactics. The submarine's actions were studied by notable naval historians, including Samuel Eliot Morison and Clay Blair Jr., and were recognized by the United States Navy with the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. The USS Finback's crew was also recognized for their bravery, with several sailors receiving the Navy Cross and the Silver Star.

● Commanding officers

The USS Finback had several commanding officers during its service, including Captain James A. Lewis, Lieutenant Commander Samuel D. Dealey, and Lieutenant Commander Robert R. Williams. These officers played a significant role in the submarine's success, leading the crew through numerous patrols and engagements with enemy ships. The USS Finback's commanding officers worked closely with other notable commanders, including Admiral Chester Nimitz and Admiral William F. Halsey Jr., to achieve victory in the Pacific War. The submarine's crew was also supported by notable United States Navy leaders, including Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Harold R. Stark.

Category:Gato-class submarines