>From the “Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships,” 

(1969) Vol. 2, p.381





F-2



SS-21

Displacement:  330 t.

Length:  142’7”

Beam:  15’5”

Draft:  12’2”

Speed:  14 k.

Complement:  22

Armament:  4 18” torpedo tubes

Class:  F



	SS-21, originally named BARRACUDA, was renamed F-2 on 

17 November 1911 and launched 19 March 1912 by Union Iron 

Works, San Francisco, Calif.; sponsored by Miss A. R. Rolph, 

daughter of the mayor of San Francisco; and commissioned 25 

June 1912, Lieutenant (junior grade) F. L. Chew in command.



	F-2 joined the 1st Submarine Group, Pacific Torpedo 

Flotilla, in operations between San Diego and San Pedro, the 

Flotilla's base.  She continued to play an important part in 

developing tactics and coordinating the use of underseas 

craft with the fleet during an extended training period in 

the Hawaiian Islands, from August 1914 through November 

1915.



	After lying in ordinary at Mare Island between 16 March 

1916 and 13 June 1917, F-2 became flagship of Division 1, 

Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet.  Returning to operations out 

of San Pedro, she participated in surface and submerged 

exercises, torpedo proving practice, experiments in 

balancing at various depths, and trained prospective crews 

of new submarines.  On 18 September 1919, she was placed in 

reserve commission at San Pedro to be used in elemental 

school work until decommissioned at Mare Island 16 March 

1922.  She was sold 17 August 1922.





Transcribed by Michael Hansen

mhansen2@home.com