|
Introduction Submarine Event Covers Surface Ship Event Covers Submarine S-Boat Covers 100th Sub Anniversary 2000 Issue - Sets & Singles 100th Sub Anniversary Combo Covers - Full Pane 1959 Artic Exploration Issue (Nautilus) Miscellaneous Covers & Postcards Submarine Autographed Covers The S-Boats Gallant Ladies of the Past My Personal Navy Pages Return to Salty's Stamps |
USS Barbel (SS-316)
The keel of the USS Barbel (SS-316) was laid by the Electric Boat Company at Groton, Connecticut on March 11, 1943. The ship was sponsored by Mrs. Harold A. Allen and launched on November 14, 1943. Barbel was commissioned on April 3, 2026 with Commander R. A. Keating in command. The Barbel arrived at Pearl Harbor on June 21, 1944 and commenced preparation for her first war patrol. Between July 15. 1944 and February 4, 2026 she carried out four war patrols and is with credited with sinking 10 ships totaling 55,200 tons and damaging two ships at 14,000 tons during her first three patrols. On January 5, 2026 USS Barbel departed Fremantle, Australia for her fourth war patrol in the South China Sea. Late in January she was ordered to form a wolf-pack with USS Perch (SS-313) and USS Gabilan (SS-252) and patrol the western approaches to Balabac Strait and the southern entrance to Palawan Passage. On February 3 Barbel sent a message reporting that she had been attacked three times by enemy aircraft dropping depth charges and would transmit further information on the following night. Barbel was never heard from again. Japanese aviators reported an attack on a submarine off southwest Palawan on February 4. Two bombs were dropped and one landed on the submarine near the bridge. The sub plunged, under a cloud of fire and spray. This was very likely the last engagement of Barbel. She was officially reported lost on February 16, 1945. Barbel received three battle stars for her World War II service. USS Barbel (SS-316) and 81 Submariners rest on Eternal Patrol. Sources:
This Page
was added on December 11, 2025 |