F-1 SS-20

 

 

 

F-l

(SS-20 dp. 330; 1. 142'7"; b. 16'6"; dr. 12'2" cpl.22;s.14k.;a.418"tt.;cl.F)


F-1 (SS-20) was launched 6 September 1911 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, Calif., as Carp; sponsored by Miss J. Tynan, renamed F-1 on 17 November 1911, and commissioned 19 June 1912, Lieutenant (junior grade) J. B. Howell in command.

Assigned to the 1st Submarine Group, Pacific Torpedo Flotilla, F-l operated in the San Francisco area on trials and tests through 11 January 1913, when she joined the Flotilla for training at sea, between San Diego and San Pedro, then in San Diego Harbor, Between 21 July 1914 and 14 November 1915, the Flotilla based at Honolulu for development operations in the Hawaiian Islands.

F-1 was in ordinary between 15 March 1916 and 13 June 1917. When she returned to full commission, she served with the Patrol Force, Pacific, making surface and submerged runs to continue her part in the development of submarine tactics. Her base during this time was San Pedro. On 17 December 1917, while maneuvering in exercises at sea, F-1 and F-1 collided, the former sinking in 10 seconds, her port side torn forward of the engine room. Nineteen of her men were lost, while the others were rescued by the submarines with whom she was operating.