USS Barbel (SS-316)

USS "Barbel" (SS-316), a "Balao"-class submarine, was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the barbel, a cyprinoid fish, commonly called a minnow or carp. Her keel was laid down by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on 14 November 1943 sponsored by Mrs. Harold A. Allen, and commissioned 3 April 1944 with Commander R. A. Keating in command.

"Barbel" arrived at Pearl Harbor on 21 June 1944 and commenced preparation for her first war patrol. Between 15 July 1944 and 4 February 1945 she carried out four war patrols and is officially credited with sinking six Japanese ships totaling 15,263 tons.

"Barbel" departed Fremantle, Australia, on 5 January 1945 for the South China Sea on her fourth patrol. Late in January she was ordered to form a wolf pack with USS|Perch|SS-313|3 and USS|Gabilan|SS-252|3 and patrol the western approaches to Balabac Strait and the southern entrance to Palawan Passage. On 3 February "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 4 February. 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 16 February 1945.

"Barbel" received three battle stars for her World War II service.

ee also

*List of U.S. Navy losses in World War II

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b2/barbel-i.htm

External links

* [http://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-barbel-316.htm On Eternal Patrol: USS "Barbel"]