S-17 Submarine: A History of Service and Survival
The S-17 was a United States Navy submarine that saw extensive service across two distinct eras of the early 20th century. From its initial deployment to the Far East in the 1920s to its perilous encounters during World War II, the vessel's history is a testament to the operational challenges of early submarine warfare and the complexities of naval coordination.
Early Service and Asian Deployments (1921–1935)
The S-17 began its journey on May 31, 1921, departing from New London, Connecticut. Its maiden deployment was an ambitious voyage that took it through the Panama Canal, California, the Territory of Hawaii, and Guam, eventually arriving at Cavite, Luzon, in the Philippines on December 1, 1921.
Throughout the early 1920s, the S-17 served as a strategic presence in East Asia. In October 1922, it visited Hong Kong, and in 1923, it conducted visits to Shanghai, Yantai, and Qinhuangdao, returning via Wusong and Amoy. The submarine repeated several of these visits in the summer of 1924 before returning to the United States, arriving at the Mare Island Navy Yard in California on December 31, 1924.
Following its return, the S-17 spent 1925 and 1926 at Mare Island, later operating along the California coast in 1927, with frequent stops at San Diego and the San Pedro Submarine Base in Los Angeles. From February 1928 until December 1934, the vessel was stationed in the Panama Canal area. Its first period of service concluded when it was decommissioned on March 29, 1935, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
World War II Recommissioning and Friendly Fire Incidents (1940–1944)
As global tensions rose, the S-17 was recommissioned on December 16, 1940. After initial voyages to Bermuda, it returned to the Panama Canal area from December 1941 to February 1942.
The vessel's second era of service was marked by several dangerous encounters with friendly forces. On February 28, 1942, while operating at periscope depth (the depth at which only the periscope is above the water), a United States Marine Corps plane dropped a 100-pound bomb targeting the periscope. Later that same day, another 100-pound bomb landed within 50 yards of the submarine while it was on the surface. Fortunately, no damage or casualties occurred during these events.
After operating from Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and returning to the Panama Canal area, the S-17 suffered a more severe incident. At 14:20 on August 4, 1942, while on the surface in the Caribbean Sea, a US plane attacked the submarine with four 500-pound depth charges. The attack caused significant damage that prevented the S-17 from diving. The vessel managed to reach Coco Solo in the Panama Canal Zone on August 8, 1942, for necessary repairs.
There remains historical ambiguity regarding the aircraft involved in the August 4 attack. The crew identified it as a US Army Air Forces B-25 Mitchell bomber, and some sources suggest a US Navy PV-1 Ventura, as both feature twin engines and twin tails. However, official reports identify the aircraft as a US Army Air Forces B-18 Bolo bomber, which possesses a single tail fin.
From September 1942 to July 1944, the S-17 operated out of New London, frequently conducting cruises in Casco Bay, Maine.
Key Facts
- Initial Deployment: Traveled from Connecticut to the Philippines via the Panama Canal in 1921.
- Asian Operations: Visited major ports including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Yantai, and Qinhuangdao.
- Decommissioning: First retired on March 29, 1935, in Philadelphia.
- WWII Service: Recommissioned in December 1940, operating primarily in the Caribbean and Panama Canal areas.
- Combat Incidents: Survived multiple friendly fire attacks by US aircraft in 1942.
- Major Damage: Struck by four 500-pound depth charges on August 4, 1942, losing diving capability.
| Period | Primary Location | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1921–1924 | Philippines & East Asia | Regional patrols and port visits |
| 1925–1927 | California Coast | Operations at Mare Island and San Pedro |
| 1928–1934 | Panama Canal Area | Regional service |
| 1940–1942 | Bermuda & Panama | WWII recommissioning and patrols |
| 1942–1944 | New London & Maine | Post-repair operations and cruises |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the S-17 first stationed after its initial voyage?
After departing New London and traveling through the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Guam, the S-17 arrived at Cavite, Luzon, in the Philippines on December 1, 1921.
What happened to the S-17 during the friendly fire incident on February 28, 1942?
The submarine was targeted by a US Marine Corps plane that dropped a 100-pound bomb on its periscope while it was at periscope depth, and another 100-pound bomb nearby while it was on the surface. No damage or casualties were reported.
Which aircraft was responsible for the damage to S-17 in August 1942?
While the crew suspected a B-25 Mitchell or a PV-1 Ventura due to the twin-tail configuration, the official report identifies the attacking aircraft as a US Army Air Forces B-18 Bolo bomber.
How did the August 4, 1942, attack affect the submarine's capabilities?
The attack involved four 500-pound depth charges that inflicted enough damage to prevent the S-17 from diving, forcing it to return to Coco Solo for repairs.
When was the S-17 decommissioned for the first time?
The S-17 was decommissioned on March 29, 1935, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.