USS Besugo SS-321
The USS Besugo (SS-321) was a Balao-class submarine built during World War II. Her keel was laid down on August 27, 1943, at the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut. This shipyard was famous for its submarine expertise. She was launched on December 27, 1943, and officially commissioned on April 19, 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Thomas L. Wogan in command. The Besugo was part of a larger effort to strengthen the U.S. Navy's underwater fleet, which was vital in the Pacific Theater.
The name "Besugo" comes from the Spanish word for a type of fish, the red sea bream. This followed the Navy's tradition of naming submarines after marine creatures, highlighting their stealth and agility. The name was meant to reflect the submarine's predatory nature and its mission to hunt enemy ships.
The USS Besugo was a Balao-class submarine, an upgrade from the earlier Gato-class. It had a stronger pressure hull, allowing it to dive deeper—up to 400 feet. The submarine was armed with ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, six in the bow and four in the stern, and could carry 24 torpedoes. It also had a 5-inch deck gun and anti-aircraft weapons, making it a formidable opponent both underwater and on the surface.
The Besugo made significant contributions during World War II and the early Cold War. She completed five war patrols, sinking enemy ships and gathering crucial intelligence. Her role in disrupting Japanese supply lines and engaging in naval battles highlighted the strategic importance of submarines. After the war, the Besugo continued to serve in training and fleet exercises until she was decommissioned.
The Balao-class submarines were designed for long-range patrols and offensive operations. They were built for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance. Known for their durability, range, and firepower, these submarines were key to the U.S. Navy's strategy to control the seas and project power globally.
The commissioning of the USS Besugo marked the start of her active service, which lasted over two decades. After commissioning, she underwent testing and shakedown cruises to ensure combat readiness. The crew, made up of skilled submariners, worked hard to master the vessel's complex systems. The commissioning ceremony was a proud moment, as the USS Besugo joined the Navy's silent service, ready for the challenges of wartime and beyond.
USS Besugo SS-321: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Besugo (SS-321) was a Balao-class submarine, a class known for its tough design and key role in World War II. These subs were an upgrade from the earlier Gato-class, with a stronger pressure hull that let them dive deeper, up to 400 feet. The Besugo's hull was made of high-tensile steel, giving it extra strength against underwater pressure and enemy attacks. It was 311 feet 9 inches long, with a beam of 27 feet 3 inches, and a draft of 15 feet 3 inches. This made it a powerful presence in the water. Its streamlined hull cut down on drag, boosting speed and maneuverability, crucial for both attacking and dodging enemies.
Tech-wise, the Besugo was ahead of its time. It had advanced sonar and radar systems that greatly improved its ability to detect other ships. The sonar, with both passive and active parts, helped the sub find enemy vessels and navigate underwater more precisely. The radar, mounted on the periscope, allowed the crew to spot and track targets even when visibility was poor. Plus, it had a Torpedo Data Computer (TDC), an early fire control system that calculated the best firing solutions for torpedoes, making its attacks more accurate and deadly.
The Besugo's armament packed a punch. It had ten 21-inch torpedo tubes—six in the bow and four in the stern—letting it launch attacks from different angles. It carried 24 torpedoes, including the Mark 14 and the more reliable Mark 18 electric torpedoes. These could cause serious damage to enemy ships, making the Besugo a feared hunter in the Pacific. Besides torpedoes, it had a 5-inch/25 caliber deck gun for surface combat, useful against smaller ships or shore targets. It also had 40mm and 20mm anti-aircraft guns to fend off aerial threats.
The Besugo could also lay mines, adding another layer to its offensive capabilities. It could deploy Mark 12 and Mark 27 mines to disrupt enemy shipping lanes and create blockades. This versatility in weaponry allowed the Besugo to take on a variety of missions, from direct ship attacks to secret mine-laying operations. With its advanced tech, strong build, and diverse weapons, the USS Besugo was a highly effective and adaptable sub, ready for complex naval strategies during World War II and beyond.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Besugo (SS-321) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the memories shared in its guestbook. These recollections span from the submarine's active service during World War II to its decommissioning in the late 1950s, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions.
Lewis Fleener, who served aboard the USS Besugo as a Radioman 2nd Class in 1942, was part of the original crew during World War II. His service on the Besugo is remembered fondly by his family, particularly his beloved father, Lewis Bradley Fleener. As a Radioman, Fleener would have been responsible for maintaining communication channels, a critical role during wartime operations. His contributions as part of the original crew underscore the importance of the Besugo's missions during the war, reflecting the dedication and bravery of those who served on this formidable vessel.
Fast forward to 1956, William Pedneau joined the USS Besugo as an Engineman 3rd Class (EN3). His tenure on the submarine culminated in his participation in the decommissioning crew at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in March 1958. This period marked the end of an era for the Besugo, as it was prepared for decommissioning after years of service. Pedneau's journey did not end there; he was subsequently transferred to the USS Sea Fox, where he achieved the rank of Engineman 2nd Class (EN2) with the Submarine Service (SS) designation before being discharged in March 1959. His experience highlights the transitional phase of the submarine fleet during the post-war years and the ongoing commitment of its crew members to their naval duties.
These shared memories from the USS Besugo's crew members provide a glimpse into the life aboard a submarine during both wartime and peacetime. They reflect the camaraderie, dedication, and significant milestones that defined the service of those who sailed on the Besugo, leaving an indelible mark on naval history.
USS Besugo SS-321: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Besugo (SS-321) was a Balao-class submarine that saw some impressive upgrades over its service life. Commissioned in 1944, it was packed with cutting-edge tech for its time, like advanced sonar and radar systems. These were key for its main mission: taking on enemy ships and subs during World War II. After the war, the Besugo got a makeover under the Fleet Snorkel program in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This included a snorkel system, letting it run its diesel engines while submerged. This upgrade boosted its underwater endurance and stealth.
In the 1960s, the Besugo got another round of upgrades through the Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program (GUPPY). This program aimed to boost the performance of WWII-era subs. The Besugo's hull was streamlined, its battery systems were upgraded, and its sonar and fire control systems got a boost. These changes made it a better fit for the Cold War, where staying submerged longer and detecting threats was crucial. Thanks to these upgrades, the Besugo stayed a powerful part of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet, ready for a range of missions with more efficiency.
The Besugo's mission capabilities grew a lot over time. It started out focused on attacking enemy ships and subs, but its role expanded to include intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and special operations support. With its improved sonar and radar, plus better underwater endurance, it became a key player in covert surveillance during the Cold War. The Besugo also took part in many training exercises, sharpening the skills of its crew and other naval units, which helped keep the fleet ready and effective.
The USS Besugo made significant contributions to the fleet. During WWII, it was crucial in the Pacific Theater, sinking enemy ships and disrupting supply lines, which was vital for the Allies. In the years after, its upgraded capabilities made it a key asset in strategic deterrence and intelligence operations during the Cold War. Its role in training exercises and fleet operations helped maintain the high standards of the U.S. submarine force. The Besugo's long service life shows the adaptability and lasting value of the Balao-class subs, standing as a proud example of the technological advancements and strategic contributions that define the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet.
USS Besugo SS-321: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Besugo (SS-321) was a Balao-class submarine that saw some impressive upgrades over its lifetime. Commissioned in 1944, it was initially packed with cutting-edge tech for its era, like advanced sonar and radar. These were crucial for its main missions during World War II: taking on enemy ships and submarines. After the war, the Besugo got a makeover under the Fleet Snorkel program in the late 1940s and early 1950s. This included a snorkel system, letting it run its diesel engines while submerged. This upgrade boosted its underwater endurance and stealth.
In the 1960s, the Besugo underwent more changes as part of the Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program (GUPPY). This program aimed to improve the performance of WWII-era subs. The Besugo got a sleeker hull, better batteries, and upgraded sonar and fire control systems. These changes made it a stronger player during the Cold War, where staying submerged longer and detecting threats were key. Thanks to these upgrades, the Besugo remained a powerful part of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet, ready for a range of missions with greater efficiency.
The Besugo's mission capabilities grew a lot over time. It started with offensive operations against enemy ships and subs, but its role expanded to include intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and special operations support. With its improved sonar and radar, plus better underwater endurance, it became a vital tool for covert surveillance during the Cold War. The Besugo also took part in many training exercises, sharpening the skills of its crew and other naval units, boosting the overall readiness of the fleet.
The USS Besugo made significant contributions to the fleet. During WWII, it was a key player in the Pacific, sinking enemy ships and disrupting supply lines, crucial to the Allied effort. In the years after, its upgraded capabilities made it a valuable asset in strategic deterrence and intelligence operations during the Cold War. Its role in training exercises and fleet operations helped maintain the high standards of the U.S. submarine force. The Besugo's long service life showcases the adaptability and lasting value of the Balao-class submarines, standing as a proud example of the technological advancements and strategic contributions that define the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet.
USS Besugo SS-321 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Balao Class Submarine |
| Commissioned | June 19, 1944 |
| Displacement | 2,414 tons |
| Length | 311.9 feet |
| Beam | 27.3 feet |
| Draft | 15.3 feet |
| Speed | 20.25 knots |
| Complement | 66 |