USS Sand Lance: A Deep Dive into the Submarine’s History and Specifications
The USS Sand Lance, a versatile and formidable submarine, has left an indelible mark on the history of the United States Navy. This article delves into the origins, specifications, and legacy of the USS Sand Lance, providing a comprehensive overview of its capabilities and contributions.
Origins and Design
The USS Sand Lance was a member of the Gato-class submarine, which was designed by the United States Navy during World War II. The Gato-class submarines were known for their speed, maneuverability, and armament, making them ideal for a variety of missions. The Sand Lance was laid down on October 15, 1942, at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine, and was launched on May 15, 1943.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1942 | Laid down at Portsmouth Navy Yard |
| 1943 | Launched |
| 1943 | Commissioned |
The submarine was commissioned on July 15, 1943, under the command of Lieutenant Commander John H. Taylor. The Sand Lance was one of the first submarines to be equipped with the Mark 14 torpedo, which was a significant improvement over previous torpedoes.
Specifications
The USS Sand Lance was a Gato-class submarine, which had a displacement of 1,547 tons when submerged and 1,858 tons when surfaced. The submarine was 311 feet long, with a beam of 27 feet 4 inches and a draught of 17 feet 9 inches. It was powered by two steam turbines, which could produce a top speed of 21.25 knots when surfaced and 8.75 knots when submerged.
The Sand Lance was armed with 10 21-inch torpedo tubes, six forward and four aft, as well as a 3-inch/50-caliber deck gun. The submarine had a crew of 80 officers and enlisted men, and it was capable of carrying 24 torpedoes and 10 mines.
Missions and Achievements
The USS Sand Lance served during World War II and the Cold War, participating in numerous missions and achieving several notable accomplishments. One of its most significant achievements was the sinking of the Japanese submarine I-176 on October 14, 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
The submarine also played a crucial role in the Korean War, where it conducted intelligence gathering and patrol missions. During the Cold War, the Sand Lance was deployed to the Pacific and Atlantic fleets, where it participated in exercises and operations to maintain naval superiority.
Legacy
The USS Sand Lance was decommissioned on June 30, 1955, and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on July 1, 1966. The submarine was eventually sold for scrap in 1972. Despite its decommissioning, the USS Sand Lance left a lasting legacy in the United States Navy.
The Gato-class submarines, including the Sand Lance, were instrumental in shaping the United States Navy’s submarine force. The lessons learned from the Gato-class submarines were applied to subsequent classes, such as the Balao-class and the Skipjack-class, which continued to serve the United States Navy for decades.
The USS Sand Lance’s contributions to the United States Navy are a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the men and women who served aboard these remarkable vessels. The submarine’s history and specifications serve as a reminder of the importance of naval power and the role that submarines have played in shaping the course of history.
