Argonaut-class (SM-1)

Summary

Description

The USS Argonaut (V-4/SF-7/SM-1/A-1/APS-1/SS-166) was the first submarine to carry the Argonaut name in the United States Navy. The Argonaut was a unique vessel, beginning construction on May 1, 1925, at Portsmouth Navy Yard and launching on November 10, 1927. Officially commissioned on April 2, 1928, she was the United States' first and only specialized minelaying submarine, and at the time of her construction, she was the largest of her kind built in the U.S.

Despite being among the largest non-nuclear submarines ever built by the United States, the Argonaut was not without its design challenges. She was part of a strategic initiative to create long-range submarine "cruisers", influenced by the potential for naval warfare with Japan and the Washington Naval Treaty. However, her engines, initially larger and more powerful MAN-designed diesels, were problematic and prone to crankcase explosions. They were eventually replaced with smaller 1,400 hp MAN diesels. Her propulsion system was primarily diesel-electric, using innovative battery configurations that later became the standard. The submarine's minelaying capabilities were complex, featuring a sophisticated system for storing and deploying mines.

During the interwar period, the Argonaut was based on the East and later the West Coast of the United States, participating in battle exercises and cruises. Despite Nagging with problematic engines and underwhelming speed, she gained fame by appearing in a John Ford movie and by undergoing a name change to USS Argonaut in 1931. Subsequently, she was transferred to Pearl Harbor and served as a minelayer and fleet submarine.

When the United States entered World War II, Argonaut's operational history took on critical new roles. She was at Midway Island during the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and was involved in war patrols in that region. Poor maneuverability and issues with her dehumidifiers led to several challenges during her service.

The Argonaut underwent a significant overhaul in 1942, converting her into a troop transport submarine. She also received a replacement for her original engines with more powerful General Motors models, removal of her minelaying gear, and additional armaments including stern torpedo tubes. Upon her return to Pearl Harbor, she engaged in a notable operation when she transported Marine Raiders to Makin Island for a raid which, despite initial setbacks, successfully neutralized the Japanese garrison there.

Sadly, on January 10, 1943, Argonaut was sunk by Japanese destroyers following an engagement with a convoy, with the loss of all 102 officers and men aboard. It represented the single most significant submarine crew loss for the United States during the war.

Argonaut's legacy continues, as her ship's bell, recovered before her final war patrol, resides at the Submarine Memorial Chapel in Pearl Harbor, serving as a memorial to those lost. The Argonaut was awarded recognition for her service and her contributions to the war effort, though her final engagement did not yield official credits for damaging enemy vessels, as postwar analysis reported no destroyer damage on the date of her sinking.

Technical specifications

Photo of Argonaut class