Submarine USS O-14 (SS-75)

Submarine USS O-14 (SS-75) was authorized to be built by the United States Congressional Act of 3 March 1915, which stated in part: "...Two submarines to be of seagoing type to have a surface speed of twenty-five knots or more if possible, but not less than twenty knots, to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not exceeding $1,500,000 each, and sixteen submarines to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not exceeding $550,000 each, and the sum of $4,090,000 is hereby appropriated for said purpose to be available until expended.

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"Five of the submarine torpedo boats herein authorized shall be built on the Pacific coast: PROVIDED, That the cost of construction on the Pacific coast does not exceed the cost of construction on the Atlantic coast plus the cost of transportation from the Atlantic to the Pacific..."

The keel of USS O-14 (SS-75) was laid down on 6 July 1916 by the California Shipbuilding Company at Long Beach, California. The submarine was a Lake type boat. The submersible was christened by Miss Eleanor N. Hatch and launched on 6 May 1918. The underseas vessel was completed at the Mare Island Navy Yard at Vallejo, California.

Commissioning took place on 1 October 1918 with Lieutenant R. E. Schuirmann in command.

When commissioned, the O-11 Class coastal and harbor defense submarine was 175' in length overall; had an extreme beam of 16'7"; had a normal surface displacement of 491 tons, and, when in that condition, had a mean draft of 13'11". Submerged displacement was 566 tons. The submarine was of riveted construction. The designed compliment was two officers and twenty-seven enlisted men. The boat could operate safely to depths of 200 feet. The submarine was armed with four 18-inch torpedo tubes installed in the bow. Eight torpedoes were carried. One 3-inch/23 caliber deck gun was installed. The gun was stowed below the superstructure deck when not in use. The full load of diesel oil carried was 18,588 gallons, which fueled 1,000 designed brake horsepower diesel engines manufactured by the Busch-Sulzer Brothers Diesel Engine Company at Saint Louis, Missouri, which could drive the boat at fourteen knots on the surface in a relatively calm sea. Submerged propulsion was provided by a 120-cell main storage battery...manufactured by the Electric Storage Battery Company (EXIDE) at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...which powered 800 designed brake horsepower main propulsion electric motors manufactured by the Diehl Manufacturing Company at Bridgeport, New York...which turned propeller shafts...which turned propellers...which could drive the submarine at 11 knots for a short period of time when operating beneath the surface of the sea. Slower submerged speeds resulted in greater endurances before the batteries needed to be recharged by the engines and generators.

One of many "N" and "O" Class boats building just prior to United States entry into World War I during 1917, USS O-14 (SS-75) commissioned too late for World War I service, but reported to Cape May, New Jersey, in 1919. In September of 1919, the submarine was placed "in commission, in reserve," at Cape May. During October of 1919, the submersible proceeded up Delaware Bay and the Delaware River to the Philadelphia Navy Yard at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...for fitting out.

During 1922, USS O-14 was based at Coco Solo in the Panama Canal Zone. On 26 January 1922, the submarine commenced a transit to Guacanayabo Bay, Cuba, for a trial run. She was at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the following month. The submarine operated in and around the Virgin Islands during March of 1922...before returning to Coco Solo. During May of 1922, USS O-14, with USS O-15 (SS-76) and USS O-16

(SS-77), resumed diving operations, which continued into 1923...as Submarine Division Ten conducted diving tactical operations. During November of 1923, USS O-14 transited to the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

On 17 June 1924, USS O-14 (SS-75) was decommissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and turned over to the Commandant, Navy Yard, Philadelphia...and placed in the reserve fleet at that Navy yard.

On 9 May 1930, the submarine was struck from the Navy Register and subsequently scrapped in accordance with the London Naval Treaty ...on 30 July 1930.

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