Introduction to the Older Boat Histories

Introduction to the Older Boat Histories
By Paul Wittmer

Many of our World War II Skippers and Chiefs had their early training on the older U.S. Submarines, such as the "O", and the "R" class of boats. I recall my first trip at sea on a submarine, was on an "O" boat and my first qualification notebook was for an "O" boat while at the Sub School in New London.

While reviewing these boat histories, it soon became apparent this was fascinating reading.

It would have been remiss not to include the "S" boats and the earlier U.S. submarines, such as the "V" class and the forerunners of the fleet boats that we knew so well, for presentation in this history. Many of these boats saw dramatic action during World War II.
We owe many thanks to the researcher who has contributed a wealth of historic information on these boats, Robert Loys Sminkey, Commander, United States Navy, Retired.

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