USS K-4 (SS-35)

USS "K-4" (SS-35) was an "K"-class submarine, of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down by the Moran Company in Seattle, Washington, as "Walrus", making her the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the walrus, a gregarious, aquatic mammal related to the seal found in Arctic waters, but on 17 November 1911 she was renamed "K-4". She was launched on 19 March 1914 sponsored by Mrs. James P. Olding, wife of the commanding officer, and commissioned on 24 October 1914 with Lieutenant J. P. Olding in command.

Joining the Pacific Torpedo Flotilla, "K-4" operated along the coast of California, conducting constant exercises and experiments to develop the techniques of submarine warfare. From 14 October 1915 to 31 October 1917, she carried out similar operations in the Hawaiian Islands. When the United States's involvement in World War I called for increased naval activity, "K-4" departed Hawaii for service out of Key West, Florida, arriving 9 January 1918. For the rest of the war, she remained at Key West, where she patrolled the Florida peninsula. After the Armistice with Germany of 11 November 1918, "K-4" operated along the East Coast training officers and men for duty in submarines. She continued these duties for four years before arriving at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 24 March 1923. "K-4" decommissioned there 19 May 1923 and was sold as scrap 3 June 1931.

See USS "Walrus" for other ships of the same name.

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