The USS Archerfish (SS 311) was a Balao-class submarine built during World War II at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. It officially entered service on May 28, 1943. This submarine was part of the U.S. Navy's efforts to strengthen its fleet during the war. The USS Archerfish was named after a fish known for its ability to shoot down insects with water from its mouth. This distinctive hunting behavior inspired the naming of a submarine recognized for its precision and effectiveness in combat. True to its namesake's reputation, the USS Archerfish emerged as one of the most formidable submarines in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
A standout feature of the USS Archerfish was its sonar technology, which enabled the crew to detect enemy ships from considerable distances. This technological advantage significantly contributed to the submarine's success in sinking Japanese vessels throughout the war. The legacy of the USS Archerfish is characterized by courage, expertise, and unwavering determination. As part of the Balao class of submarines, renowned for their extended range and sophisticated armaments, the USS Archerfish played a crucial role in enhancing naval operations during World War II.
During the war, these submarines were instrumental in disrupting enemy supply lines and conducting reconnaissance missions. The USS Archerfish was tasked with patrolling the Pacific Ocean and participating in operations against enemy forces. Commissioned on May 28, 1943, under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Joseph F. Enright, the USS Archerfish underwent training and sea trials before being deployed to the front lines. Throughout its service, the submarine received numerous accolades and honors for its missions and significant contributions to the war effort.
The Silent Hunter: Exploring the USS Archerfish SS-311's Advanced Technology and Lethal Armament
The USS Archerfish (SS 311) served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Balao-class submarine. Measuring 311 feet in length, 27 feet in beam, and with a draft of 17 feet, it had a displacement of 1,526 tons when surfaced and 2,391 tons when submerged. Propelled by four Fairbanks Morse diesel engines and four General Electric electric motors, the submarine could achieve speeds of up to 20.25 knots on the surface and 8.75 knots when submerged.
Equipped with advanced technology, the USS Archerfish featured a Mark 27 torpedo fire control system, a Mark 10 torpedo data computer, and a Mark 18 torpedo tube. It was also outfitted with a snorkel system that enabled prolonged operations without the need to surface for air. The submarine's diving depth was up to 400 feet, with a range of 11,000 miles at speeds of 10 knots. Armed with ten 21-inch torpedo tubes—six in the bow and four in the stern—the USS Archerfish carried a total of 24 torpedoes, including both Mark 14 and Mark 18 types. It was also equipped with a 5-inch/25 caliber deck gun for engaging surface targets.
The USS Archerfish had a crew of 10 officers and 70 enlisted sailors. It played a significant role in the Pacific Theater during World War II. With its advanced technology, powerful weapons, and trained crew, it proved to be a formidable opponent against enemy vessels and submarines. The Archerfish's notable achievement included sinking the Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano, the largest warship ever destroyed by a submarine. Its exceptional performance in combat earned it a Presidential Unit Citation.
USS Archerfish SS-311 Crew Member Reports of Time Aboard
USS Archerfish SS-311: Evolution of a Silent Sentinel in the Depths
The USS Archerfish (SS 311) underwent upgrades during its time in service, improving its operational capabilities and extending its usefulness in the U.S. Navy. Initially put into service in 1943, the Archerfish was a Balao-class submarine with a hull that allowed it to dive to greater depths compared to earlier models. At that time, the submarine had ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, a 5-inch deck gun, and various anti-aircraft weapons. Over the years, advancements in technology led to enhancements for the Archerfish, including upgraded sonar and radar systems that significantly boosted its ability to detect and track targets. These improvements ensured that the Archerfish remained an asset in the Navy's submarine fleet into the Cold War period.
The mission capabilities of the USS Archerfish evolved alongside its upgrades. During World War II, the submarine primarily focused on operations such as targeting enemy vessels and conducting reconnaissance missions. One notable achievement of the Archerfish occurred in November 1944 when it successfully sank the Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano, marking it as the largest warship ever sunk by a submarine. This mission highlighted the strategic importance of submarines in warfare, showcasing their capacity to deliver decisive blows against enemy forces.
After the war, the Archerfish took on roles such as training exercises, intelligence gathering, and participation in NATO missions. These changes reflect how naval warfare has evolved and the growing significance of submarines in maintaining security. The USS Archerfish made lasting contributions to the fleet. During World War II, its aggressive patrols and successful engagements disrupted supply lines and naval activities. The sinking of the Shinano demonstrated the effectiveness of submarine warfare and boosted morale. Post-war, the Archerfish continued to serve as a training platform for submariners, refining tactics crucial during the Cold War. Its involvement in exercises and operations provided valuable data and experience that influenced submarine development.
In essence, the USS Archerfish (SS 311) symbolized the flexibility and enduring value of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Through upgrades and evolving mission capabilities, the Archerfish remained relevant and effective throughout its years of service. Its actions during World War II, especially the sinking of the Shinano, underscored the strategic importance of submarines in combat. Following those years, the significance of the Archerfish in Navy training and operations solidified its position in upholding superiority. The enduring impact of the USS Archerfish serves as a testament to the value of creativity, flexibility, and forward-thinking strategies in naval activities.
USS Archerfish SS-311: Silent Sentinel of the Seas – A Chronicle of Valor and Victory
The USS Archerfish (SS 311) had a career filled with missions and contributions to significant conflicts, especially during World War II. Launched in 1943, the Archerfish embarked on its wartime mission in the Pacific Theater, where it played a crucial role in America's submarine warfare tactics against Japan. A standout moment for the submarine occurred in November 1944 when it successfully sank the Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano, marking the first time a submarine had sunk such a large enemy warship. This event not only showcased the importance of submarine warfare but also dealt a substantial blow to Japan's naval strength.
During its service in World War II, the USS Archerfish carried out seven war missions that aided the Allied cause by disrupting enemy supply routes, gathering intelligence, and engaging enemy ships. Operating across various locations in the Pacific region—from Japan to the South China Sea—the Archerfish demonstrated its adaptability and endurance. Its stealthy operations and precise strikes made it a valuable asset for the U.S. Navy, with the crew's courage and expertise playing critical roles in accomplishing missions even under challenging circumstances.
The USS Archerfish was honored for its service with awards and commendations. Among these accolades was the Presidential Unit Citation, recognizing its bravery and performance during its war patrol, notably for its role in sinking the Shinano. The submarine also earned seven battle stars for its contributions to combat missions during World War II. These honors highlighted the effectiveness of the submarine and the courage of its crew, solidifying its place in history.
Following World War II, the USS Archerfish continued to engage in roles such as training exercises and intelligence gathering operations during the Cold War. Despite being decommissioned in 1968, the legacy of the Archerfish lived on through its achievements and prestigious recognitions. The history of this submarine serves as a testament to the strategic significance of submarine warfare and pays tribute to the bravery displayed by those who served on board, establishing it as a revered vessel in U.S. Navy history.
USS Archerfish SS-311 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Balao Class Submarine |
| Commissioned | September 4, 1943 |
| Displacement | 2,414 tons |
| Length | 311.9 feet |
| Beam | 27.3 feet |
| Draft | 15.3 feet |
| Speed | 20.25 knots |
| Complement | 66 |
1 comment
Greetings. I’m a long-retired submariner with an interest in naval history. Today, while exploring USS Archerfish’s remarkable exploit vs the Japanese carrier Shinano in 1944, I came across this blog post. About halfway down, I saw this:
“Equipped with advanced technology, the USS Archerfish featured a Mark 27 torpedo fire control system, a Mark 10 torpedo data computer, and a Mark 18 torpedo tube. It was also outfitted with a snorkel system that enabled prolonged operations without the need to surface for air.”
What a remarkable series of statements. To take them in order:
To the best of my knowledge, the US Navy has never had a Mark 27 torpedo fire control system. It did have a Mark 27 (submarine-launched) torpedo, our first 19-inch torpedo, introduced in 1943 (according to Wikipedia’s article, “Mark 27 Torpedo”). But the boats that carried it used the same “fire control system” that they used for all their other torpedoes.
Mind you, no one was using the phrase “torpedo fire control system” during World War II. Our boats had their Torpedo Data Computer (TDC), which was probably the best analog computer of its kind in the world in those days. However, the TDCs used during WWII were the Mark III (introduced in 1940) and the Mark IV (introduced in 1943) (acc to Wiki’s article, “Torpedo Data Computer”). I have found nothing that refers to a Mark V or later, certainly not a Mark X (Mark 10).
This historical review of USN submarine fire control systems – at https://archive.navalsubleague.org/1993/a-brief-history-of-the-push-pull-of-submarine-combat-control-systems – says that our inventory of systems jumped from the TDC directly to the Mark 101 Fire Control System, which was needed when the Navy introduced wire-guided torpedoes, probably in the late 1950s: the Mk 37 and Mk 45, and later the Mk 48. (Note the PDF file to which that article links, at this URL, especially the table at its page 37): https://s36124.p1408.sites.pressdns.com//wp-content/uploads/1993/Winter/1993-Jan-OCRw.pdf )
I don’t know much (and can’t find much) on the various designs of torpedo tubes on Balao-class boats, so I won’t comment on the “Mark 18 torpedo tube.” (I do wonder, though, whether this was written with the “Mark 18 torpedo” in mind, our first electrically-driven torpedo, also introduced in 1943. Archerfish might certainly have carried some of those fish on her patrols.)
Finally, a “snorkel system.” To be blunt, US submarines did not have snorkels during World War II. They were introduced to USN boats in 1947, in the GUPPY II program — after we had reverse-engineered the German “Type XXI” U-boats we had gotten as war reparations. Wikipedia’s article on the “Greater Underwater Propulsion Program” gives its history, and names the boats that got snorkels after WWII. Unfortunately, Archerfish is not one of them.
Best wishes, and I hope this proves helpful.