Discover the story of USS Albacore (SS-218), the Gato-class submarine that sank the most tonnage during WWII.
USS Albacore (SS-218) was no ordinary submarine. A Gato-class vessel, she played an important role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, earning the Presidential Unit Citation and nine battle stars for her extraordinary service.
With 13 confirmed Japanese ship sinkings and five additional damage credits, Albacore was among the deadliest submarines in US naval history. Her most legendary achievement was sinking Taihō, the Japanese Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in 1944. However, the crew would not learn of their victory until months later.
The Gato-Class Submarine
Plot Points
USS Albacore was one of 77 Gato-class submarines built by the US Navy during World War II. These submarines were the backbone of the Navy’s undersea fleet and were instrumental in the success of the Silent Service.
Gato-class submarines were designed for long-range operations in the Pacific Ocean. At 311 feet long and displacing 1,525 tons, these submarines were relatively large for their time. They had a surface speed of 20.25 knots and could operate submerged at speeds of 8.75 knots. With a range of 11,000 nautical miles, Gato-class submarines could stay at sea for extended periods, allowing them to operate deep in enemy waters.
Armed with 10 torpedo tubes (six forward, four aft) and a deck gun, Gato-class submarines were formidable hunters. Their design also included improvements in habitability, such as air conditioning and refrigerated storage, which helped crews endure long patrols. The combination of endurance, firepower, and stealth made Gato submarines like Albacore dangerous adversaries to the Japanese Navy.
Establishing a Reputation
Commissioned on June 1, 1942, USS Albacore quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her early patrols focused on disrupting Japanese supply lines, sinking cargo ships, troop transports, and other vessels critical to the Japanese war effort.
Battle of the Philippine Sea and Taihō
In June 1944, USS Albacore embarked on her ninth war patrol, which would cement her place in history.
Spotting the Taihō
On June 19, 1944, during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, Albacore found herself in the heart of the action. Her commander, Lieutenant Commander James W. Blanchard, spotted the carrier group of Admiral Jisaburō Ozawa. Among the ships was Taihō, Japan’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier.
Taihō, commissioned just months earlier, was the pride of the Japanese Navy. At 31,000 tons, she featured an armored flight deck and a sealed hangar, designed to minimize fire damage. She carried 65 aircraft and was seen as a crucial asset in Japan’s defense of the Philippines.
Blanchard maneuvered Albacore into position and launched six torpedoes toward Taihō.
The Fatal Strike
One of the torpedoes was intercepted by a Japanese pilot, Sakio Komatsu, who deliberately dove his plane into it, detonating it prematurely. However, another torpedo struck Taihō near her aviation fuel tanks. Initially, the damage seemed manageable, but fuel vapors spread throughout the ship. Hours later, a catastrophic explosion sealed Taihō’s fate, sinking her and taking over 1,500 sailors with her.
The loss of Taihō was a devastating blow to the Japanese Navy.
Albacore’s Crew: A Long Wait for Confirmation
Despite their daring attack, Albacore’s crew did not immediately know they had sunk Taihō. After launching her torpedoes, she was immediately targeted by escort ships and forced to dive. It would be months until her crew learned of their success.
American intelligence lost track of Taihō and was puzzled by the lack of Japanese communication regarding the carrier. It wasn’t until months later that a prisoner of war revealed the reason for the silence. Six and a half hours after being torpedoed by Albacore, the carrier exploded and sank.
The Final Patrol
Albacore continued her relentless service after the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Tragically, her illustrious career came to an end during her 11th patrol.
In November 1944, Albacore was operating near northern Hokkaidō when she likely struck a mine. All 85 crew members were lost, and the submarine’s ultimate fate remained a mystery for decades. Until May 2022, when a Japanese research team discovered her wreck.
Their discovery provided closure to one of World War II’s lingering mysteries, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men of the Silent Service.
Reliable Thoughts
The story of the USS Albacore is one of bravery and sacrifice. Her sinking of Taihō was a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater. Despite the carrier’s advanced design, her flaws proved fatal.
Operating in isolation and under constant threat, the sailors of the Silent Service embody the determination of the US Navy. Albacore’s legacy endures as a symbol of the sacrifices made during World War II. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery of those who fought.
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