USS Corvina War memorial

Slipping beneath the waves, the USS Corvina embarked on a perilous mission. Here at the USS Corvina War Memorial, we remember her sacrifice. The USS Corvina, a Gato-class submarine, was commissioned on August 6, 1943. She was named for a fish, a symbol of the silent hunter she was meant to be. The USS Corvina’s story began in Groton, Connecticut, where her keel was laid. Launched in May 1943, she was sponsored by Mrs. LaRene P. Christie. Mrs. Christie was the wife of Rear Admiral Ralph W. Christie. He commanded submarine operations in Fremantle, Australia. The USS Corvina set off from New London in September 1943, reaching Pearl Harbor the following month. Her maiden war patrol began on November 4, 1943. A stop at Johnston Island for refueling followed. Then, silence. The USS Corvina vanished. Her mission was to patrol near Truk, a Japanese stronghold. She was to intercept any Japanese movements that threatened the American invasion of the Gilbert Islands. This was a crucial assignment, fraught with danger. Japanese records reveal a chilling detail. On November 16, the Japanese submarine I-176 reported firing torpedoes at an enemy submarine south of Truk. Two hits, a great explosion. The USS Corvina, lost with all 82 hands. This tragic event marked a grim milestone. The USS Corvina became the only American submarine sunk by a Japanese submarine during World War II. The USS Corvina War Memorial stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of her crew. They sailed into the unknown, answering the call of duty. Their story is a reminder of the silent battles fought beneath the waves. We remember them.