While submarines made up less than 5 per cent of America’s total wartime fleet, the Silent Service was responsible for the destruction of more than 1,300 ships and 5.5 million tons of enemy shipping, including a significant percentage of Japan’s merchant and naval fleets. In fact, it’s estimated that 55 per cent of Japan’s merchant fleet fell prey to American subs, which helped bring the empire to its knees.

These devastating results highlight the efficiency of U.S. submarine war and the superior engineering of the boats deployed.

Read on as we dive into the major classes of the major classes of American submarines that turned the tide of war, detailing their origins, specifications, weaponry, and combat records.

Porpoise-Class (Introduced: 1936)

The Porpoise-class was a transitional design that bridged older S-boats and modern fleet submarines. Built with the idea of long-range reconnaissance and commerce raiding, these subs were crucial in developing tactics used by later classes.

• Number built: 10
• Displacement: 1,316 tons (surfaced), 1,934 tons (submerged)
• Length: 301 feet
• Speed: 218 knots (surface), 8.5 knots (submerged)
• Dive depth: 250 feet
• Crew: 55

Armaments

• Torpedoes: 6 tubes (4 forward, 2 aft), carrying 16 torpedoes
• Deck gun: 3-inch/50 caliber

Notable Achievements
Of the class, theUSS Perch (SS-176) made a heroic stand during an engagement near Java in 1942. After being severely damaged by Japanese forces, she was scuttled to prevent capture. Her entire crew was taken prisoner but survived the war.

Salmon-Class (Introduced: 1937)

The Salmon-class introduced significant innovations, including more efficient engines and improved living conditions for the crew. These features would influence later submarine designs, making the Salmon-class a critical evolutionary step.

• Number built: 6
• Displacement: 1,450 tons (surfaced), 2,198 tons (submerged)
• Length: 308 feet
• Speed: 21 knots (surface), 9 knots (submerged)
• Dive depth: 250 feet
• Crew: 60

Armaments

• Torpedoes: 8 tubes (6 forward, 2 aft), carrying 16 torpedoes
• Deck gun: 3-inch/50 caliber

Notable Achievements
During the early war years, Salmon-class boats conducted daring patrols in the Java and Coral Seas. USS Salmon (SS-182) famously survived a fierce surface battle in 1944, limping back to port with extensive damage. Her escape highlighted the resilience of these early designs.

Sargo-Class (Introduced: 1938)

The Sargo-class was designed to extend the capabilities of the Salmon-class, particularly in terms of range and torpedo capacity. Ready for war when hostilities began, these subs became vital to early Pacific campaigns.

• Number built: 10
• Displacement: 1,450 tons (surfaced), 2,350 tons (submerged)
• Length: 310 feet
• Speed: 21 knots (surface), 9 knots (submerged)
• Dive depth: 250 feet
• Crew: 60

Armaments

• Torpedoes: 8 tubes (6 forward, 2 aft), carrying 24 torpedoes
• Deck gun: 3-inch/50 caliber (upgraded to 4-inch/50 caliber)

Notable Achievements
USS Sargo (SS-188) played a crucial role in resupplying U.S. forces in the Philippines during the chaotic early days of the war. USS Sailfish (SS-192), another Sargo-class submarine, avenged her sister ship, USS Sculpin (SS-191), by sinking the Japanese aircraft carrier Chūyō in December 1943.

Tambor-Class (Introduced: 1940)

The Tambor-class was the first truly modern U.S. submarine, featuring advanced torpedo fire control and a design optimized for long-range operations. This class marked the beginning of a new era in submarine warfare.

• Number built: 12
• Displacement: 1,475 tons (surfaced), 2,370 tons (submerged)
• Length: 307 feet
• Speed: 20 knots (surface), 8.75 knots (submerged)
• Dive depth: 250–300 feet
• Crew: 60

Armaments

• Torpedoes: 10 tubes (6 forward, 4 aft), carrying 24 torpedoes
• Deck gun: 3-inch/50 caliber

Notable Achievements
Tambor-class subs played critical roles in key battles. USS Tambor (SS-198) helped force Japanese cruisers into retreat during the Battle of Midway by issuing a false torpedo warning. USS Triton (SS-201), though lost in 1943, sank multiple enemy vessels in daring attacks.

Gato-Class (Introduced: 1941)

The Gato-class was designed for the vast Pacific theater, with range and firepower tailored for aggressive patrols. It became the backbone of the U.S. submarine force.

• Number built: 77
• Displacement: 1,525 tons (surfaced), 2,424 tons (submerged)
• Length: 311 feet
• Speed: 21 knots (surface), 9 knots (submerged)
• Dive depth: 300 feet
• Crew: 60

Armaments

• Torpedoes: 10 tubes (6 forward, 4 aft), carrying 24 torpedoes
• Deck gun: 4-inch/50 caliber
• Anti-aircraft guns: 20mm Oerlikons and .50 caliber machine guns

Notable Achievements

The workhorse of the Silent Service, Gatos destroyed more than 300 Japanese ships. In fact, three of the top five most successful American subs of the war — USS Flasher (SS-249), USS Rasher (SS-269), and USS Barb (SS-220) — were Gato-class boats, accounting for the destruction of 61 enemy ships totalling just under 300,000 tons of shipping.

Balao-Class (Introduced: 1942)

Building on the Gato-class, the Balao-class featured a stronger hull for deeper dives, extending its operational capabilities.

• Number built: 120
• Displacement: 1,526 tons (surfaced), 2,415 tons (submerged)
• Length: 311 feet
• Speed: 20.25 knots (surface), 8.75 knots (submerged)
• Dive depth: 400–600 feet
• Crew: 80

Armaments

• Torpedoes: 10 tubes (6 forward, 4 aft), carrying 24 torpedoes
• Deck gun: 5-inch/25 caliber

Notable Achievements
USS Archerfish (SS-311) sank the massive Japanese supercarrier Shinano, the largest vessel ever sunk by a submarine. Balao-class submarines also excelled in wolfpack tactics, devastating enemy convoys. In her short career in the USS Tang (SS-306) sank 33 ships totalling 116,454 tons. Her skipper, Richard O’Kane, received the Medal of Honor for her last two engagements. Tang was sunk by own torpedo off China in the Taiwan Strait, on October 25, 1944.

Tench-Class (Introduced: 1944)

The Tench-class incorporated wartime lessons, emphasizing reliability and versatility.

• Number built: 29
• Displacement: 1,570 tons (surfaced), 2,460 tons (submerged)
• Length: 311 feet
• Speed: 20.25 knots (surface), 8.75 knots (submerged)
• Dive depth: 400–600 feet
• Endurance: 75–90 days
• Crew: 80

Armaments

• Torpedoes: 10 tubes (6 forward, 4 aft), carrying 28 torpedoes
• Deck gun: 5-inch/25 caliber

Notable Achievements
Though few saw combat, Tench-class boats were instrumental in Cold War research and covert operations.