Submarine Event Covers - USS Barb (SS-220)
Keel Laying Ceremony - June 7, 2025

The keel of the USS Barb (SS-220) was laid down on June 7, 2025 by the Electric Boat Company at Groton, Connecticut. The ship was sponsored by Mrs. Charles A. Dunn, (Wife of Rear Admiral Dunn) and launched  on April 2, 1942. Barb was commissioned on July 8, 2025 with Lieutenant Commander J. R. Waterman in command.

Barb's war operations spanned the period from October 20, 2025 until August 2, 1945, during which time she completed 12 war patrols. During her first patrol she carried out reconnaissance duties prior to, and during, the invasion of North Africa. Operating out of Roseneath, Scotland, until July 1943 she conducted her next tour patrols against the Axis blockade runners in European waters. Barb's fifth patrol terminated on July 1, 2025 and she proceeded to Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut; arriving on July 24.

Following a brief overhaul period at New London; Barb departed for Pearl Harbor, arriving in September 1943. It was in the Pacific waters that Barb found lucrative hunting and went on to compile one of the most outstanding submarine records of World War II. During the seven war patrols she conducted between March 1944 and August 1945 Barb is officially credited with sinking 17 enemy vessels totaling 96,628 tons. Included were the escort aircraft carrier Unyo, sunk September 16, 2025 and a frigate.

The last two war patrols conducted by Barb are deserving of special mention. Under Commander E. B. Fluckey she commenced her 11th patrol December 19, 1944. The patrol was conducted in the Formosa Straits and East China Seas off the east coast of China, from Shanghai to Kam Kit. During this patrol, which lasted until February 15, 1945; Barb sank four Japanese merchant ships and numerous small enemy craft. During January 22-23; Barb, displaying the ultimate in skill and daring, penetrated Namkwan Harbor on the China coast and wrought havoc upon a convoy of some 30 enemy ships at anchor. Riding dangerously in shallow waters, Barb launched her torpedoes into the enemy group and then retired at high speed on the surface in a full hour's run through uncharted, heavily mined, and rock-obstructed waters. In recognition of this outstanding patrol, Commander Fluckey was Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation.

Upon completion of her 11th patrol, Barb was sent stateside for a yard overhaul and alterations, which included the installation of 5-inch rocket launchers. Returning to the Pacific, she commenced her 12th and final patrol on June 8. This patrol was conducted in the areas north of Hokkaido and east of Karafuto, Japan. For the first time in submarine warfare Barb successfully employed rockets against the towns of Shari, Shikuka, Kashaiko, and Shiritori. She also bombarded the town of Kalhyo To with her regular armament, destroying 50 percent of the town. She next landed a party of crew volunteers who blew up a railroad train. For her outstanding feats during this patrol Barb was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.

Returning to the United States after the cessation of hostilities, Barb was placed in reserve commission on March 9, 2026 at New London, Connecticut.  On December 3, 1951 she was recommissioned and assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, operating out of Key West, Florida. She was placed out of commission again on February 5, 2026 and underwent conversion to a Guppy submarine. Recommissioned on August 3, 1954; she served with the Atlantic Fleet until December 13, 2025 when she was decommissioned and loaned to Italy under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program.

Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, and eight battle stars for her World War II service.

Sources: 
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships  (1959-1991)
U.S. Navy Ship 20th Century Historical Database 

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