John McGuckin presents The Fleet Boat Submarine

After World War I, US Navy submarine development was influenced by a study of captured German U-boats. During the interwar years, the United States built S-boats and V-boats. These vessels, while unsatisfactory in performance, led the way to the first "Fleet" Submarine prototype, the USS Dolphin SS-169. From 1932 through 1939, the US Navy built the P- and S-class submarines, which further defined the parameters for the first true Fleet Submarine, the USS Gato SS-212, laid down in 1940.

We will discuss shipyards, propulsion, armament, electronics and habitability of the Gato class and the follow on Balao and Tench classes as well as some wartime boat histories.

Lunchbox Lectures are free and open to the public on every first and third Wednesday of the month. For more information call 504-528-1944 x 463.

NOTICE: Andrew Higgins Drive is temporarily closed to vehicles and pedestrians between Camp Street and Magazine Street for the construction of a new Founders Plaza at The National WWII Museum. The Museum's main entrance for the duration of construction is at 945 Magazine Street.