USS Pomfret (SS-391)

USS Pomfret (SS-391) was a Balao-class submarine of the United States Navy named after the pomfret, a fish found in Atlantic and Pacific waters, and also known as the butterfish. The ship was built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and commissioned on February 19, 1944, with Commander Francis Marion Gilfillan in command. The submarine was sponsored by Mrs. George H. Fort, wife of Captain George H. Fort, a United States Naval Academy graduate and World War II veteran. The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was one of the 122 Balao-class submarines built during World War II, along with other notable submarines such as the USS Archerfish (SS/AGSS-311), USS Batfish (SS-310), and USS Spadefish (SS-411).

● USS Pomfret (SS-391)

The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was a submarine that played a significant role in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, conducting patrols in the Pacific Ocean and participating in several key battles and operations, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. The ship was also involved in the Marshall Islands campaign and the Mariana Islands campaign, working alongside other United States Navy vessels such as the USS Enterprise (CV-6), USS Yorktown (CV-5), and USS Wasp (CV-7). The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was awarded several decorations for its service, including the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, and was also recognized for its contributions to the Allied victory in the Pacific War.

● History

The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was built during a time of significant growth and expansion for the United States Navy, as the country prepared for its entry into World War II. The ship was constructed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which was also the site of construction for other notable submarines such as the USS Albacore (AGSS-569) and the USS Conger (SS-477). The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was commissioned on February 19, 1944, and began its service under the command of Commander Francis Marion Gilfillan, a United States Naval Academy graduate and experienced submarine commander. The ship's early service was marked by a series of training exercises and patrols in the Atlantic Ocean, where it worked alongside other United States Navy vessels such as the USS Iowa (BB-61), USS New Jersey (BB-62), and USS South Dakota (BB-57).

● Characteristics

The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was a Balao-class submarine with a length of 311 feet 9 inches and a beam of 27 feet 3 inches, and was powered by a pair of diesel-electric propulsion systems. The ship had a top speed of 20.25 knots and a range of 11,000 nautical miles, making it an effective patrol vessel for the United States Navy. The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was also equipped with a range of weapons and sensors, including torpedoes, deck guns, and radar and sonar systems, which allowed it to conduct a variety of missions and operations. The ship's crew consisted of 60 officers and enlisted men, who were responsible for operating and maintaining the vessel, and were trained at United States Naval Academy, Naval Submarine Base New London, and other United States Navy facilities.

● Service history

The USS Pomfret (SS-391) conducted several war patrols in the Pacific Ocean during World War II, targeting Japanese shipping and naval vessels in support of the Allied effort. The ship worked alongside other United States Navy vessels such as the USS Tautog (SS-199), USS Tang (SS-563), and USS Trigger (SS-237), and participated in several key battles and operations, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was also involved in the occupation of Japan following the end of the war, and was eventually decommissioned and placed in reserve at the Naval Submarine Base New London. The ship's service was recognized with several decorations, including the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, and its crew was praised for their bravery and sacrifice during the war.

● Commands

The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was commanded by several experienced officers during its service, including Commander Francis Marion Gilfillan, who led the ship on its first war patrol. The ship's commanding officers were responsible for planning and executing the vessel's missions and operations, and for leading the crew in combat. The USS Pomfret (SS-391) was also supported by a range of staff officers and enlisted men, who played critical roles in the ship's operations and maintenance. The ship's commanders were trained at United States Naval Academy, Naval War College, and other United States Navy facilities, and were recognized for their leadership and strategic thinking during the war, including Admiral Chester Nimitz, Admiral Raymond Spruance, and Admiral William Halsey Jr..