Ever wonder what happened to decommissioned naval vessels? Well here at the Nepean Naval Museum we preserve some of that history. Let me tell you the story of the USS S-22, a submarine with an interesting past.
The Nepean Naval Museum is a great place to learn about naval history. The story of the USS S-22 is just one example of the many fascinating tales waiting to be discovered.
She was not built here. Construction began January 6, 1919, at the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy Massachusetts. Mrs Mark C Bowman sponsored her launch July 15, 1920. The USS S-22 was commissioned June 23, 1924.
Imagine the excitement as the newly built submarine slid into the water. The USS S-22 was ready to begin her service to the United States Navy.
From 1924 to 1930, the USS S-22 served off the northeastern coast from New London Connecticut. She sailed to Hawaii in April 1925. She was in the Panama Canal Zone in early 1926. The USS S-22 visited Kingston Jamaica in March 1927. She returned to the Panama Canal area several times between 1928 and 1930.
Picture the USS S-22 cruising through the Panama Canal. The crew experienced different climates and cultures. The USS S-22 played an important role in protecting American interests.
In January 1931, the USS S-22 left New London. She traveled through the Panama Canal and to California before arriving at Pearl Harbor Hawaii in April 1931. She operated in Hawaiian waters until 1938.
Think about the warm tropical waters surrounding the USS S-22 in Hawaii. For seven years, she patrolled those waters. The USS S-22 contributed to the defense of this strategic location.
October 15, 1938, saw the USS S-22 depart Pearl Harbor. She arrived back in New London December 11, 1938. There she joined a test and evaluation division. She trained Naval Academy midshipmen at Annapolis Maryland. The USS S-22 assisted the diving school at Piney Point Maryland.
Consider the important training missions the USS S-22 undertook. She helped prepare future naval officers. She supported the development of diving techniques. The USS S-22 played a crucial role in the readiness of the US Navy.
From December 1940 to May 1941, the USS S-22 was stationed in Key West Florida. After an overhaul in late 1941, she served in the Panama Canal area from January to March 1942. The USS S-22 returned to New London April 17, 1942.
Imagine the USS S-22 patrolling the waters near Key West. She then protected the Panama Canal Zone. The USS S-22 remained an active part of naval operations as World War II loomed.
June 19, 1942, marked a significant change. The USS S-22 was decommissioned. She was transferred to the United Kingdom. She served in the Royal Navy as HMS P.554.
Think about the unique situation of an American submarine serving in the Royal Navy. As HMS P.554, she contributed to the Allied war effort.
The Royal Navy returned HMS P.554 to the US Navy at Philadelphia Pennsylvania July 11, 1944. The USS S-22 became a sonar target at New London. She also participated in tests at the U.S. Naval Experimental Facility at Minas Basin Nova Scotia.
Visualize the USS S-22 being used for sonar testing. She helped develop new technologies. The USS S-22 continued to serve.
The USS S-22 was struck from the Naval Vessel Register in August 1945. Her hulk was sold for scrapping November 16, 1945. The North American Smelting Company in Philadelphia purchased her.
Although scrapped, the USS S-22’s story lives on. From her early days of service to her time with the Royal Navy, she played a vital role. The Nepean Naval Museum helps preserve this history.
Remember the USS S-22 as you explore the Nepean Naval Museum. Her story reminds us of the dedication and service of naval personnel. It also highlights the international cooperation during times of conflict.