USS Plaice SS-390
The USS Plaice (SS-390) was a Balao-class submarine built during World War II, a time of rapid naval advancements. She was laid down on September 14, 1943, at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine, a shipyard known for its submarine expertise. The Plaice was launched on December 15, 1943, and commissioned on March 31, 1944, with Lieutenant Commander John H. Campbell in command. Her construction was part of a larger effort to strengthen the U.S. Navy's underwater fleet, crucial in the Pacific Theater.
The ship's namesake, the plaice, is a flatfish found in the North Atlantic. Naming submarines after marine creatures was a tradition, highlighting their stealth and agility. Like the plaice blending into the ocean floor, the submarine was designed for stealthy operations beneath the waves, perfect for reconnaissance and covert missions.
The USS Plaice boasted the robust Balao-class design, an upgrade from the earlier Gato-class. With a stronger pressure hull, it could dive deeper—up to 400 feet. She had ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, six in the bow and four in the stern, carrying 24 torpedoes. Armed with a 5-inch deck gun and anti-aircraft weapons, she was formidable both underwater and on the surface.
The Plaice's legacy in the U.S. Navy is marked by her World War II contributions. She completed five war patrols in the Pacific, engaging enemy vessels, conducting reconnaissance, and supporting Allied operations. The Plaice earned several battle stars, showcasing her effectiveness and the bravery of her crew. Her success demonstrated the strategic value of submarines, influencing post-war designs and tactics.
As a Balao-class submarine, the Plaice was part of a class that represented the peak of U.S. submarine design during the war. Designed for long-range missions, with a range of 11,000 nautical miles, she could stay submerged for extended periods thanks to advanced batteries. The primary mission was to disrupt enemy shipping, gather intelligence, and support amphibious operations. These submarines were key in the U.S. Navy's strategy of unrestricted submarine warfare against Japan, significantly weakening the Japanese war effort.
The commissioning of the USS Plaice on March 31, 1944, marked the start of her active service. Under Lieutenant Commander Campbell, she embarked on her first war patrol in June 1944. Throughout her service, the Plaice demonstrated the effectiveness of the Balao-class design and the strategic importance of submarines. Her successful missions and the valor of her crew contributed to the overall success of the U.S. Navy's submarine force during World War II, leaving a lasting legacy in naval history.
USS Plaice SS-390: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Plaice (SS-390) was a Balao-class submarine, a class known for its sturdy build and cutting-edge technology during World War II. These submarines were an upgrade from the earlier Gato-class, featuring a stronger pressure hull made of high-tensile steel. This allowed them to dive deeper—up to 400 feet compared to the Gato's 300 feet. The USS Plaice was 311 feet 9 inches long, with a beam of 27 feet 3 inches and a draft of 15 feet 3 inches. This design struck a perfect balance between size and maneuverability, making it an effective hunter in the vast Pacific Ocean.
The USS Plaice was equipped with some of the most advanced systems of its time. It had air conditioning, crucial for crew comfort during long patrols in tropical waters. The submarine was powered by four Fairbanks-Morse Model 38D8-1/8 nine-cylinder opposed-piston diesel engines, which drove electrical generators. These generators powered electric motors connected to twin propeller shafts, allowing the submarine to reach speeds of up to 20.25 knots on the surface and 8.75 knots submerged. It also boasted sophisticated sonar and radar systems, essential for detecting enemy ships and navigating through dangerous waters.
When it came to armament, the USS Plaice was well-equipped for its primary role in anti-ship warfare. It had ten 21-inch torpedo tubes—six in the bow and four in the stern. These tubes could launch the Mark 14 and later the more reliable Mark 18 electric torpedoes, which were the submarine's main offensive weapons. The USS Plaice could carry up to 24 torpedoes, allowing it to engage multiple targets during a single patrol. Additionally, it was armed with a 5-inch/25 caliber deck gun for surface engagements and shore bombardments. For anti-aircraft defense, it had a 40mm Bofors and a 20mm Oerlikon cannon, providing strong defensive capabilities against enemy aircraft.
The USS Plaice's weaponry was complemented by its stealth and endurance. Its ability to remain submerged for extended periods, thanks to its large battery capacity and efficient air purification systems, made it a formidable adversary. The combination of advanced sonar, radar, and periscope systems allowed the crew to detect and track enemy vessels while staying undetected. The USS Plaice's design and technology enabled it to perform a variety of missions, from reconnaissance and mine-laying to direct attacks on enemy shipping, making it a versatile and valuable asset to the US Navy during World War II.
USS Plaice SS-390: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Plaice (SS-390) was a Balao-class submarine that served the U.S. Navy with distinction. Commissioned in 1943, it was equipped with cutting-edge sonar and radar systems for its time. These tools were essential for its main mission during World War II: taking on enemy ships. After the war, the Plaice didn't just sit idle. It got some serious upgrades, like better sonar, fire control systems, and more efficient batteries. These changes were part of the Navy's push to keep its submarines top-notch during the Cold War.
The Plaice's missions evolved as its technology did. In World War II, it was all about disrupting enemy shipping, gathering intel, and doing reconnaissance. Its stealth and endurance made it a powerhouse in the Pacific, where it helped sink enemy vessels. After the war, the Plaice took on new roles, like anti-submarine warfare and covert operations. With advanced sonar and torpedoes, it could find and engage enemy subs more effectively, boosting the Navy's capabilities.
The USS Plaice made significant contributions to the fleet. During World War II, it was a key player in the Pacific campaign, helping to weaken Japan's maritime supply lines. Its successful missions earned it several commendations, including battle stars. After the war, the Plaice became a valuable training platform for new submariners, helping maintain the Navy's high standards. It also took part in naval exercises and war games, providing critical data that shaped future submarine tactics and technologies.
The USS Plaice (SS-390) was a shining example of the U.S. Navy's adaptability and resilience. With continuous upgrades and evolving missions, it remained a vital asset from World War II through the early Cold War. Its contributions to both wartime operations and peacetime training underscored its lasting value. The legacy of the USS Plaice highlights the importance of innovation and flexibility in maintaining naval superiority.
USS Plaice SS-390: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Plaice (SS-390) was a key player in the U.S. Navy's World War II efforts. Commissioned in 1943, this submarine took on daring missions in the Pacific, aiming to disrupt Japanese supply lines and gather vital intelligence. It ventured into some of the war's most dangerous waters, like the South China Sea and the areas around Japan. Navigating these enemy-infested waters was no small feat, with the constant threat of depth charges and aerial attacks looming over the crew.
As a hunter-killer submarine, the Plaice excelled. It sank several enemy ships, including crucial cargo vessels and tankers, striking a blow to Japan's war efforts. The crew's ability to stay hidden while delivering these hits was a game-changer for the Allies. Their bravery and skill shone through, even in the toughest conditions, making a significant impact on the war's outcome. The intelligence they gathered was invaluable, shaping broader Allied strategies in the Pacific.
The Navy didn't overlook the Plaice's contributions. The submarine and its crew earned numerous awards, like the Navy Unit Commendation and multiple battle stars, highlighting their exceptional performance. These honors showed the high esteem in which the Navy held the Plaice, underscoring its critical role in the war. The achievements of the Plaice were a testament to the Gato-class submarines' effectiveness and the dedication of their crews.
After the war, the USS Plaice continued to serve, taking part in training and readiness operations during the early Cold War years. Though it didn't see combat again, it remained a vital part of the Navy's submarine force until its decommissioning in 1947. The legacy of the USS Plaice lives on through its commendable wartime service and the accolades it earned. Its story is a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of its crew, and its contributions to the Allied victory in World War II are a proud chapter in U.S. Navy history.
USS Plaice SS-390 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Balao Class Submarine |
| Commissioned | February 12, 1944 |
| Displacement | 2,414 tons |
| Length | 311.9 feet |
| Beam | 27.3 feet |
| Draft | 15.3 feet |
| Speed | 20.25 knots |
| Complement | 66 |