USS L-2 (SS-41)

USS "L-2" (SS-41) was an "L"-class submarine of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on 19 March 1914 by the Fore River Shipbuilding Company in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on 11 February 1915 sponsored by Mrs. Russel Gray, and commissioned on 29 September 1916, Lieutenant (junior grade) Augustine H. Gray in command.

After exercises along the Atlantic coast, "L-2" arrived in Key West, Florida, for experiments in submarine warfare. After operating in southern waters through March 1917, the submarine prepared for World War I service.

Departing New London, Connecticut, on 27 November 1917, "L-2" steamed for Europe via the Azores, arriving Queenstown, Ireland, on 27 January 1918. Based at Bantry Bay, Ireland, she patrolled around the British Isles and, with other members of her squadron, ranged the North Atlantic Ocean, reducing losses to U-boats of shipping vital in supplying the Allied armies. "L-2" attacked enemy submarines on 26 May and 10 July with inconclusive results.

After the war, "L-2" departed the Isle of Portland, England] , on 3 January 1919 for home. Arriving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in early February, the submarine experimented with torpedo and undersea detection techniques along the Atlantic coast until 1922. "L-2" was placed in reduced commission at New London on 1 May 1922, and decommissioned at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 4 May 1923. She was scrapped and her materials were sold 28 November 1933, in accordance with the terms of the London Naval Treaty.

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