The Loss of the USS Tang

25th October 1944: The most successful USN submarine of the war comes to a tragic end when she fires her last remaining torpedo - and it malfunctions

USS Tang (SS-306), off Mare Island Navy Yard, December 1943.

The USS Tang was the most successful US submarine of the war during her short career between January and October 1944, commanded by Commander Richard O’Kane. During this time she sank 33 ships totalling 116,454 tons. She was on the point of sinking a 34th ship when the very last torpedo she fired, on her fifth war patrol, proved to be faulty. At 2.30 am on 25th October, this torpedo, when fired from the Tang on the surface, was seen to broach and then turn in a wide circle back towards the Tang.

Just one episode from an eventful 10 months of operations. A Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane, from USS North Carolina (BB-55) Off Truk with nine aviators on board, awaiting rescue by USS Tang (SS-306), 1 May 1944. The plane had landed inside Truk lagoon to recover downed airmen. Unable to take off with such a load, it then taxiied out to Tang, which was serving as lifeguard submarine during the 29 April-1 May carrier strikes on Truk.

USS Tang (SS-306) at Pearl Harbor with the carrier-based fliers picked up after the Truk attack on 29-30 April 1944.