USS L-9 (SS-49)

USS "L-9" (SS-49) was an "L"-class submarine of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on 2 November 1914 by Fore River Shipbuilding Company in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on 27 October 1915 sponsored by Miss Heather Pattison Baxter, and commissioned on 4 August 1916 with Lieutenant (junior grade) P. T. Wright in command.

Assigned to the Atlantic Submarine flotilla, "L-9" operated along the Atlantic coast until April 1917 developing new techniques of undersea warfare.

Following the United States's entry into World War I, submarines were needed to protect Allied shipping lanes to Europe. After an extensive overhaul, preparing her for the task ahead, "L-9" departed Portsmouth, Virginia, on 17 January 1918 and arrived Bantry Bay, Ireland, on 21 February. She remained in British waters throughout the war, patrolling for U-boats.

After the Armistice with Germany on 11 November, "L-9" operated out of the Isle of Portland, England, until she sailed 3 January 1919 for the United States. Arriving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 1 February, the submarine operated along the Atlantic coast for the next four years developing submarine warfare tactics. "L-9" decommissioned at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 4 May 1923 and was scrapped 28 November 1933.

References