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The D-Boats

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This photo shows the bow of the Submarine Tender Severn over hanging six submarines. The three D-Class submarines are closest to the Severn. From L to R; Nautilus, Salmon and Grayling and three of the five C-Class submarines; Tarpon, Octopus and Bonita. If you look closely you can read the names Salmon and Grayling on the hull of those boats. In November 1911 all these submarine had their names changes to D-1, D-3, D-2 C-3, C-1 and C-4 respectively. In the background can be seen the battleship Nebraska. The location is believed to be New York Harbor, the date is October 28, 1911.

Library Of Congress Photo


USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1)
Under construction. The date of the photo is May 9, 1908.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1)
Under construction. The date of the photo is May 9, 1908.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
To the left is the USS Narwhal (D-1) under construction.
To the right is the USS Grayling (D-2) under construction.
The date of the photo is Feb 7, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1)
Under construction. The date of the photo is Feb 7, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1)
Under construction. The date of the photo is Feb 7, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1)
Under construction. The date of the photo is Feb 7, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1) Torpedo Room
The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1) Torpedo Room with torpedos in the tubes, The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)
USS Narwhal (D-1) Torpedo Room with torpedos in the tubes. Notice the crew bunk triced up to the left in the photo. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The aft end of the torpedo room with the view looking aft through the door into the control room. Above the door can be seen the torpedo loading hatch. The ladder to the bridge and the ballast tank kingstons are seen through the door. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The aft end of the torpedo room with the view looking aft through the door into the control room. The ladder to the bridge and the ballast tank kingstons are seen through the door. The periscope can be seen at the top of the photo. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The forward battery compartment with the view looking forward and starboard at the crews head or toilet. A bar for a privacy curtain can be seen in the overhead. The door leads to the torpedo room room. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)
The crews head or toilet.
The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS Narwhal (D-1)

USS Narwhal (D-1) Diving planes control. The D-class only had stern planes. Behind the ladder are the levers for opening the ballast tanks for diving. Note behind the black stanchion and just above the drive chain the portlight connecting with the after battery battery compartment. The chain to hold it open is dangling from the overhead. The ladder is access to the bridge and faces aft. Behind the photographer in the other corner of the compartment is the above crews head. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

USS Narwhal (D-1) helm station. Door is access to the forward battery compartment. The square mirror is for the helmsman to read the compass mounted in the overhead. The date of the photo is June 19, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

This is the controler for the electric steering gear. The tag reads: "Steering Gear Control, Electric Boat Co" The lights probably indicate what direction the gear is tracking. The date of the photo is June 19, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The view is looking aft and port. The eye pieces for the periscope are seen. The ladder faces aft and leads up to the bridge. The helm is behind the bulkhead seen in the photo. The date of the photo is June 19, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The view is looking aft and starboard. The Air and water trim manifolds are on the starboard side of the control room. The ladder faces aft and leads up to the bridge. The helm is through the door and to the right. The date of the photo is June 19, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The view is looking starboard. The Air and water trim manifolds are on the starboard side of the control room. The date of the photo is June 19, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The view is looking starboard. This is the air manifold on the starboard side of the control room. The date of the photo is June 19, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

A view of the engine room of the USS D-1 SS-17 looking aft. The two main diesel engines can be seen on each side of the compartment. The battery driven electric motors can be seen at the far end of the compartment. The USS Stingray SS-13 (E-1) was the first US sub to have diesel engines. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

A view of after end the engine room of the USS D-1 looking aft. The battery driven electric motors can be seen at the port and starboard sides of the compartment. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

A view from the after end the engine room of the USS D-1 looking forward. The battery driven electric motors can be seen at the port and starboard sides of the compartment and the diesels can be seen beyond them. The engine exhausts can be seen leading up through the top of the pressure hull. The door to the after battery compartment can be seen in the center. The date of the photo is June 12, 1909.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

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The USS Narwhal, later renamed D-1 on November 17, 1911, shown here during a haulout some time between April 1909 and November 1911. I don't see a commissioning pennant so this may be between her launch on April 9, 1909 and her commissioning on November 23, 1909 and could be at the Fore River ship yard where she was built for work. There is a tank access plate removed from her lower bow and an air or water hose with a hand valve attached just aft of that.

Boston Public Library, Print Department Photo


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Close up of the the USS Narwhal, later renamed D-1 on November 17, 1911, shown here during a haulout some time between April 1909 and November 1911. I don't see a commissioning pennant so this may be between her launch on April 9, 1909 and her commissioning on November 23, 1909 and could be at the Fore River ship yard where she was built for work. There is a tank access plate removed from her lower bow and an air or water hose with a hand valve attached just aft of that.

Boston Public Library, Print Department Photo


Crew muster

USS Narwhal, Submarine No 17, later renamed D-1 attached to submarine April 15, 1910

Townsend, Julius C. - Lieutenant - age 29 - Born; Missouri
Beisel, Fred C. - Midshipman - age 24 - Born; Illinois
Allen, Charles L. - Chief Gunners Mate - age 27 - Born; Indiana
Davis, Fred - Gunners Mate 1Cl - age 28 - Born; New York - Mulatto
Milligan, Joseph A. - Gunners Mate 2Cl - age 23 - Born; North Carolina
Demont, Charles - Gunners Mate 2Cl - age 23 - Born; Minnesota
Crilley, Lawrence - Gunners Mate 3Cl - age 22 - Born; New Jersey
Powers, Richard J. - Chief MM - age 28 - Born; Connecticut
Bottleberghs, Frank J. - Machinists Mate 1Cl - age 27 - Born; Belgium
Grisler, Charles A. - Machinists Mate 1Cl - age 31 - Born; Pennsylvania
Herbert, John T. - Machinists Mate 2Cl - age 21 - Born; Maryland
Miller, Ariel W. - Machinists Mate 2Cl - age 22 - Born; Massachusetts
Kapp, Ernest E. - Chief Electrician - age 27 - Born; North Carolina
Blood, Walter H. - Electrician 1Cl - age 27 - Born; Pennsylvania
Peterson, Lars O. - Electrician 2Cl - age 22 - Born; Sweden
Lyons, William L. - Electrician 2Cl - age 25 - Born; Missouri

Thank you to Linda Talbott of the US GenWeb Census Project ® for providing this information.

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USS D-2, D-1 & D-3 shown on May 10, 1915 (the bow of the E-2 can be seen to the left) on the upper westside of New York city moored at the 135th Street piers as part of the Presidential Review for President Wilson with the Atlantic Fleet.

Moored to the left, out of the photo image, are the USS E-2 and E-1 and all are moored to the tender USS Tonopah (Monitor #8).

Library of Congress Photo


USS Narwhal (D-1)

The USS D-1 most likely at the 79th or 135th Street piers in New York. This photo has previously been stated to be located at Key West, Flordia. That is not a Key West background. These subs were part of the 2nd Squadron stationed out of Key West.
The date of the photo circa 1915.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)

The USS D-2, D-3, E-2 and D-1 at most likely New York piers. This photo is captioned many times as being located at Key West. That is not a Key West background. These subs were part of the 2nd Squadron stationed out of Key West. The date of the photo circa 1915.


Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

USS Narwhal (D-1)
The USS E-2, D-2, D-3 and D-1 at most likely New York piers. This photo is captioned many times as being located at Key West. That is not a Key West background. These subs were part of the 2nd Squadron stationed out of Key West. The date of the photo circa 1915.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum

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Photo of a crewman on the USS D-2, circa 1915. The numbers 2 over 4 are a squadron designation not the hull numbers. The D-2 at one point in her career was stationed out of Key West, Florida, home of the 2nd Submarine Squadron. The number 4 is her position with-in the squadron.

Resting on top of the bridge fairwater is the topside helm wheel and the submerged submarine flag. The flag is rigid so it can be seen when attached to the top of the highest periscope. This was so the submarines wouldn't be run down while making practice dives and exercises. Forward is the stub, with locking keys, of a ventilator and another vent cowl is seen aft of the first one.

The bulge on the side of the periscope sheers is probably a support bearing for the forward periscope.

Original Photo in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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Close-up of the crewman and the numbers 2 over 4. These are a squadron designation not the hull numbers. The D-2 at one point in her career was stationed out of Key West, Florida, home of the 2nd Submarine Squadron. There are other photos of the D-2 with a 2 over 3. For one reason or another she shifted her position in the squadron. Ther are also photos of her in Submarine Squadron 3 with a 3 over 2 attached to her fairwater.

If you look closely at the numeral 4 you can see some old screw or bolt holes where it looks like the number 3 had been attached, showing her position shift with-in the squadron.

Original Photo in the Collection of Ric Hedman


USS D-1 (ex-Narwhal) SS 17, USS D-3 (ex-Salmon) SS 19
USS D-1 & USS D-3
The USS D-1 SS 17 is the inboard boat seen in this photo. The boat closest to the camera is the USS D-3 SS19. The submarine seen in the background with the men on deck is believed to be a "G" class boat. Just barely seen in the smoke to the left side of the picture is possibly a "K" class boat backing out of the slip. The photo looks to have been taken at the Submarine Base, Groton, Connecticut.

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The USS D-1 photographed at Key West, Florida circa 1918. There are 4 "four piper" destroyers moored behind. Based on the radio mast configurations and periscope spacing, the two subs inboard of the D-1 are most likely the E-1 and E-2. Barely seen on the far inside of the nest, right at the photo edge, is another D class submarine. There is a crew member, perhaps the topside watch, standing on the deck just aft of the after bridge cover support stanchion. The submarine is no doubt putting in a battery charge as she is running her port engine which seems to be the preferred engine for battery charges on these early boats. It, as well, was attached to the in-line air compressor used to fill the ships air flasks.

As explained in a photo above, the numbers 2 over 4 seen here are squadron and placement numbers and there are photos of the D-1 wearing the 2 over 4 designation, as did the D-2. Though not definitive, we are making the assumption this is the D-1. As submarines shifted home ports and squadrons these numbers would shift and change. A data base compiled for the year 1919 shows all the D and E craft stationed out of Key West in Submarine Division 2.

This photo does not exist as seen here. It is a marriage of two images in the Library’s collection, taken at the same time and was joined in the area of the life ring to show the whole scene.

Joined Images Courtesy of the Monroe County Library Collection


USS Grayling (D-2)
USS Grayling (D-2) SS 18. Location unknown.
Date is sometine between June 1909 (launch date)
and November 1911(when the name was changed to D-2).


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This photo is thought to be the USS D-2 leaving from Providence, Rhode Island and passing Conimicut Light at the mouth of the Providence River. On August 19, 1912 the D-2 is reported to have left Newport, RI and travelled to Providence. This photo is dated, on the back, as being September 7, 1912. The photo taker even signed his named to the picture as Anthony W. Robinson though he placed the location as Boston Harbor. We can find no evidence of a light house that looks like the one in this photo but comparisons with images of the Conimicut Light are a virtual match.

If this is Rhode Island and not Boston Harbor the land in the background would be Warwick, RI. There seems to be light wind as the schooner has all sail raised but is making little headway.

Photo In The Private Collection Of Ric Hedman


Contemporary image of the Conimicut Light House and the one from the above photo. Giving Leeway for over 100 years of possible changes and modifications to the light house, our guess would be that this is the same structure. Thanks to Thomas Tag, Technical Advisor for the US Lighthouse Society for his input. Feedback on this issue is welcome.


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USS D-2, Submarine No.18, lines drawing showing the interior view as seen from the starboard side.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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USS D-2 drawing showing the torpdeo tubes. Crews personal lockers are shown on the port side. The torpedo loading hatch is is in the upper left of the torpedo room overhead. Torpedo handling gear storage is under the deck plates. In the overhead is the electric motor for running the anchor windless. The 775 pound mushroom anchor is seen below the torpedo tubes. Under the deck are three gasoline fuel iol tank holding appoximently 4100 gallons of fuel. Just aft of the Allied Signal Bell on the deck is the torpedo room access hatch.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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USS D-2 top view of the same space as seen above. Between the torpedo tube, to the port side of the bow cap rotating shaft is the bottom anchor hausepipe leading from the anchor to the cable windless mounted under the superstructure external to the pressure hull. The circle in the center of the compartment in the deck access hatch. On the Port side is a 35 Gallon Fresh Water Tank flanked by storage lockers. To the left bottom side of the drawing it shows the location of the ships "Head" or toilet. Forward of the head is the ships Gyro and tool storage locker.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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USS D-2 drawing showing the control rooms and batteries. The compartment is actually divided into two halves with a 60 cell battery in each section. The battery, a Modle 23-WL manufactured by: Electric Storage Battery Company, had a total capacity of 2,970 amp/hr at a 3 hour discharge rate. Beneath the batteries are the main and auxiliary ballast tanks as well as an auxiliary fuel tank. The ballast tanks hold 35½ tons of ballast water and the fuel tank carry's 1,362 gallons of gasoline or another 4.25 tons. The Adjusting Tank with 23c/f carries another 172 gallons or 1,371 pounds of sea water.

Above the deck compartment is divided by a bulkhead almost directly amidships. It sits just aft of the stern planes control wheel, seen in the center of this drawing. This section of the control room also contained sleeping accomodations for officers and the crews head in the forward starboard corner. In teh opposite port corner sat the gyro compass. Access to the bridge was in this section of this space just central to the stern plases control. Running across the bulkhead were the levers for opening and closing the kingstons valves for allowing water into the ballast tanks and Adjusting Tank.

In the after section of the control room was the ships helm up against the dividing bulkhead. The door connecting th two sections was to starboard of the helm station. Outboard of the door was the trim system.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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USS D-2 Control Room showing the forward and after parts. The large circular object in the center is the bridge access trunk. Just the left of that is the central dividing bulkhead with a watertight door to starboard side, (bottom), this bulkhead divides the two battery compartments.

To the right or forward half of the control room are the stern planes control station to the port side, shown just above the bridge access trunk. Forward of that are lockers, the radio station and electrical supply panels. On the starboard side, (bottom), are the trim station and forward of that are the CO and XO bunks and the crews head forward of that.

In the left or after part of the Control Room is the steering station and main crews messing facilities. The port side has 166 gallon fresh water tank, storage lockers and the galley stove. The starboard side are the main circulating motor and Auxiliary pump motor and food storage. In the center of the space is the deck access trunk that exits on deck aft of the conning tower fairwater. Forward and Aft in both spaces are battery ventilating ducts and fans.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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USS D-2 Control Room. The most noticeable thing that sticks out to us is the single wheel used to control the stern planes. It is seen in the center of the above image. The D class did not have bow planes though the D-2 was used to test the concept and workout the mechanisms necessary to employ bow planes. These were added to the E class of submarine.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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USS D-2 Engine and Motor Room areas. The D Class subs were the last to be powered by Gasoline engines and the D-2 had two 300 Horse Power engines aft of the control room. In the forward art of the compartment is a deck access trunk. In the overhead flanking this trunk are two gravity tanks for fuel. Gasoline is pumped up to them and then any water in the fuel separates and sinks to the bottom of the tank and fuel is drawn off the top. These tanks are cleared of any settled water on a regular basis. Plus any dirt or other debris settle to the bottom of these tanks also. The electrical switch panel for the electric motor control is also in this area.

Under and outboard of the engines are high pressure air flasks used for blowing the ballast tanks and for rolling the engines over. Above the engines, seen as an angled line is the pressure hull of the submarine and shown above this line is one of the two mufflers for the engines.

Seen aft of the engines are the clutches that engage and disengage the engines from the electric motor/generators. If the submarine is on the surface the clutches were engaged and the gasoline engines turned the propellers. If submerged the clutches were opened and the batteries powered the propellers. Aft of the motors is another clutch that disengages the propellers from the motors and allows the batteries to be charged without the propellers turning over. Aft, on the shafts, are bilge pumps and aft of those are air compressors for recharging the used air in the ships air banks.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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USS D-2 showing the after trim and fuel tanks. The after trim carries 882½ gallons of waterbut trim is calculated in pounds or tons so this tank holds 7,546½ pounds of water or 3.77 tons. The after fuel tank carries 561 gallons of gasoline.

D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


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D-2 Drawings in the Collection of Ric Hedman


USS Grayling (D-2)
USS Grayling (D-2) SS 18. Location unknown.
It looks like the Grayling, (D-2), was used as a test platform for bow planes.
These are fixed planes and could not be rigged in or out.
The date is before November 1911 when the name was changed to D-2.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
Crew muster

USS Grayling, Submarine No 18, later renamed D-2 attached to submarine April 15, 1910

Bingham, Donald C. - Lieutenant - age 27 - Born; Alabama
Jewell, Joseph W. - Ensign - age 23 - Born; New Hampshire
Stephens, William H. - Chief Gunners Mate - age 26 - Born; Ireland
Burnett, Arthur F. - Gunners Mate 1Cl - age 24 - Born; Massachusetts
Brooks, Lewis - Gunners Mate 2Cl - age 25 - Born; Ohio
Young, George S. - Gunners Mate 2Cl - age 23 - Born; Michigan
Rogers, James D. - Gunners Mate 3Cl - age 29 - Born; Ohio
Garrison, George W. - Chief Machinists Mate - age 47 - Born; Maryland
Singleton, Roy F. - Machinists Mate 1Cl - age 27 - Born; Pennsylvania
Wright, Lawrence A. - Machinists Mate 1Cl - age 27 - Born; New York
Drew, Walter H. - Machinists Mate 1Cl - age 29 - Born; Massachusetts
Blackburn, George - Machinists Mate 2Cl - age 22 - Born; Pennsylvania
Doyle, Fred - Machinists Mate 2Cl - age 37 - Born; Rhode Island
Truse, Leo S. - Machinists Mate 2Cl - age 20 - Born; Michigan
Thorpe, James E. - Machinists Mate 2Cl - age 21 - Born; Pennsylvania
Daniels, James H. - Chief Electrician - age 27 - Born; West Virginia
Gruber, Henry J. - Electrician 1Cl - age 23 - Born; New York
Wilson, Elmer E. - Electrician 1Cl - age 26 - Born; District of Columbia
Saunders, Sidney L. - Electrician 2Cl - age 23 - Born; Massachusetts
Van Etter, Allan - Electrician 2Cl - age 22 - Born; Ohio
Siedschlag, Harry M. - Gunners Mate 2Cl - age 23 - Born; Michigan

Thank you to Linda Talbott of the US GenWeb Census Project ® for providing this information.

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The USS Salmon (D-3) being launched from the her construction shed at Fore River shipyards in Quincy Massachusetts on March 12, 1910. At this time submarines were launched with little or no Navy crew. The Navy had minimal over site during construction. The subs were launch with shipyard workers aboard to provide a manned presence and assist in bringing lines from a tug aboard to tow them to the fitting out docks. Once the submarine had been finished and trials runs to make sure it met the Navy standards and requirements of performance then the Navy would accept the submarine and attach a crew to it.

US Navy Photo

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Close-up of the USS Salmon (D-3) being launched from the her construction shed at Fore River shipyards in Quincy Massachusetts on March 12, 1910. A shipyard workers is aboard to provide a manned presence and assist in bringing lines from a tug aboard to tow them to the fitting out docks.

US Navy Photo

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The USS Salmon (D-3) after her launch on March 12, 1910 from the Fore River Shipyard being maneuvered to the dock by a tug and the small force of yard workers that were aboard the sub during her launch. A temporary platform has been built over the top of the bridge fairwater. It is still early spring and the trees are still lacking there leaves.

US Navy Photo

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Close-up of the USS Salmon (D-3) after her launch on March 12, 1910 from the Fore River Shipyard being maneuvered to the dock by a tug and the small force of yard workers that were aboard the sub during her launch. A temporary platform has been built over the top of the bridge fairwater where some supervisors seem to be standing.

US Navy Photo

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This photo of the D-3 has been identified by Dave Johnston. The squadron marking in the periscope shears changed as the subs were reassigned to fleets. This ID is based on the bulge on the after end on the fairwater that housed the main Induction Head Valve. This was an innovation installed to allow air to the engines with out needing to have the hatches open all the time during heavy weather that would have allowed sea water to enter the submarine and possibly cause shorting of electrical equipment. The pipe framing for a canvas spray shield is visible around the bridge fairwater.

Photo in the Private Collection of Ric Hedman


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The USS Salmon (D-3) running submerged trials on Cape Cod Bay with Cape Cod and Provencetown, MA in the background . From the looks of how much periscopes is above water she is most likely at about 42 feet keel depth. From the top of the tallest periscope to the keel on a D class submarine was in the range of 48 to 50 feet.

US Navy Photo

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The USS Salmon (D-3) running submerged trials on Cape Cod Bay with Cape Cod and Provencetown, MA in the background . From the looks of how much periscopes is above water she is most likely at about 42 feet keel depth. From the top of the tallest periscope to the keel on a D class submarine was in the range of 48 to 50 feet.

Original Post Card in the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

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The USS Salmon (D-3) running surfacing after running submerged trials on Cape Cod Bay with Cape Cod and Provencetown, MA in the background.

US Navy Photo

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After torpedo practice the crew hauls the spent practice torpedo back aboard. The small boat was used during the trials to locate and tow the torpedo back to the submarine.

US Navy Photo

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The torpedo is in position to be lowered back into the torpedo room where it was recently fired from.

US Navy Photo

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The torpedo is in position to be lowered back into the torpedo room where it was recently fired from.

US Navy Photo

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The USS Salmon (D-3) on the surface with her bridge canvas rigged probably on Long Island Sound for exercises. The 3 over 3 on her fairwater is her squadron and position numbers.

US Navy Photo

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Close-up of the bridge/fairwater area of the USS Salmon (D-3) on the surface with her bridge canvas rigged probably on Long Island Sound for exercises. The 3 over 3 on her fairwater is her squadron and position numbers. The Captain or Officer of the Deck is looking directly at the cameraman as are most of the crew. Directly behind the officer is the helmsman who is steering using the topside wheel station.

US Navy Photo

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The USS D-3, D-1 , G-4 and G-3 all moored at the Submarine Base New London, Groton Ct winter 1917/1918. The Thames River is frozen over and ice can be seen filling the water alongside the submarines. It appears to be a bright sunny day but probably very cold.

US Navy Photo

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Sub Base New London in Groton, Ct where the USS D-3 is moored outboard the USS D-1. At the left in the smoke there seems to be a K class sub backing out. On the far side of the pier is the USS G-3. Interesting to note the man repairing the roof of the shed on the pier. Time frame is probably spring/summer 1918.

Original Photo in the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

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Sub Base New London in Groton, Ct where the USS D-3 is moored outboard the USS D-1. Interesting to note the man repairing the roof of the shed on the pier. Time frame is probably spring/summer 1918.

Original Photo in the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

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Another photo taken a few minutes before or after the one above at Sub Base New London in Groton, Ct where the USS D-3 is moored outboard the USS D-1. At the left the smoke there seems to be coming from the USS D-1. On the far side of the pier is the USS G-3. The man repairing the roof of the shed on the pier is still there but the men on the dock and decks have all moved. There seems to be a group of civilians on the deck of the D-1. Time frame is probably spring/summer 1918.

Original Post Card in the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

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Another photo taken a few minutes before or after the one above at Sub Base New London in Groton, Ct where the USS D-3 is moored outboard the USS D-1. At the left the smoke there seems to be coming from the USS D-1. On the far side of the pier is the USS G-3. The man repairing the roof of the shed on the pier is still there but the men on the dock and decks have all moved. There seems to be a group of civilians on the deck of the D-1. Time frame is probably spring/summer 1918.

Original Post Card in the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

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Another photo taken a few minutes before or after the one above at Sub Base New London in Groton, Ct where the USS D-3 is moored outboard the USS D-1. At the left the smoke there seems to be coming from the USS D-1. On the far side of the pier is the USS G-3. The man repairing the roof of the shed on the pier is still there but the men on the dock and decks have all moved. There seems to be a group of civilians on the deck of the D-1. Time frame is probably spring/summer 1918.

Original Post Card in the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

3 D-boats & an E-boat
Here we have all 3 D-boats and one of the two E-boats. The boat closest to the camera is the D-1. The E-boat is next to the pier and is most likely the E-2. Looks like the DivCom's pennant is flying at the top of the tallest mast so if any of you know what other boats were in Division 25 we can probably identify where the picture was taken. These boats were part of a sub fleet that made a cruise to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico from 1914 to 1915.
(thanks to Kenneth Henry ENCS(SS) for this picture)



USS D-3 followed by her sister "D" boats
Three D boats


USS D-3 SS 19
USS D-2 SS 19

USS D-3 in a Naval Review with other ships
USS D-3 in a Naval Review with other ships

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USS D-3 seen here in Key West, Florida. The attribution says circa 1918 but the D-3 was operating out of New London at that time.

She is seen here wearing the "Battle Efficiency" "E" on her conning tower fair water. She was photographed on May 10, 1915 in New York for the Presidential Review moored at the 139th Street piers wearing this same "E". The "E" is issued annually and if a vessel fails to receive it in subsequent years it has to be removed. It is more likely that the photo is taken in 1914/15.

There is a large hose coming from the left side of the image and attaches to a fitting either in or next to the forward hatch. This is most likely a fueling hose and a red "Bravo" flag is flying from the starboard signal flag hoist. This means that no open flames or smoking is allowed in the area.

Courtesy of the Monroe County Library Collection

USS D-3 Photographed from the Port bow.
Note dents in the rotating bowcap for the torpedo
tubes. This was a solid casting so those were hard hits.
Date is unknown but circa 1910 is probably close.

Photo from the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

Close-up of USS D-3 crew posing for photo.
Date is unknown but circa 1910 is probably close.

Photo from the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

Close-up of USS D-3 crew posing for photo.
Really rare shot of a black crewman on the D-3. Blacks had not been relegated to
cooking and serving positions yet by Presidents Wilson's segregation of the Navy.
There is one crewman sitting on the deck talking to the man in the lower right of photo.
Eleven of the D-3's crew are in the full picture.

Date is unknown but circa 1910 is probably close.
Photo from the Private Collection of Ric Hedman

USS D-3 from the stern
USS D-3 March 30, 1910 National Archives photo.

USS D-3
The USS D-3 crew on deck while on her trip to Bermuda in 1910.
Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
A chief petty officer of the D-3 crew on her trip to Bermuda in 1910.
Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS D-3 crew on deck while on her trip to Bermuda in 1910.
Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS D-3 bridge crew on her trip to Bermuda in 1910.
Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS D-3 moored in Hamilton, Bermuda in 1910.
Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS D-3 crew on deck in the shade, Hamilton, Bermuda in 1910.
Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS D-3 crew on deck during a Naval Review circa 1912.
The D-3 has won an efficiency "E" for performance and readiness.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS D-3 bridge crew close-up during a Naval Review circa 1912.
The man just to the left of the periscope is the bridge helmsman.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS Salmon (D-3) moored circa 1910.
The Salmon had her name changed to D-3 on November 17, 1911.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS Salmon (D-3) moored circa 1910.
The Salmon had her name changed to D-3 on November 17, 1911.

Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
USS D-3
The USS Salmon (D-3) Commemorative sign
Photo courtesy of The US Navy Submarine Force Museum
Length 134' 10"
Beam 13' 9"
Disp. Sur. 288 tons
Disp. Sub. 337 tons
Test Depth 200'
Crew 15
Armament 4 18" Torp Tube

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