USS O-8 (SS-69)

USS "O-8" (SS-69), a "O"-class submarine of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on 27 February 1917 by Fore River Shipbuilding Company in Quincy, Massachusetts. She was launched on 31 December 1917 sponsored by Mrs. Alice C. Burg, and commissioned on 11 July 1918 with Lieutenant Commander R.A. Burg in command.

During the final stages of World War I, "O-8" operated out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on coastal patrol duty from Cape Cod to Key West, Florida. She departed Newport, Rhode Island, on 2 November 1918 with other subs ordered to duty in European waters; the duty was cancelled, however, as the Armistice with Germany was signed before the vessels reached the Azores.

The end of the "war to end all wars" did not terminate "O-8"’s Naval career; she now operated in a training capacity at the sub school, New London, Connecticut. In 1924, she sailed for duty in Panama, where she was classified a second line submarine 25 July 1924. Reverting to a first liner on 6 June 1928, she sailed from New London in February 1931 to Philadelphia and decommissioned there 27 May.

The imminence of World War II sparked the recall to service. "O-8" recommissioned at Philadelphia 28 April 1941, with Lt. John S. McCain, Jr. taking command. ["Famous American Admirals"] In June she returned to Submarine School, New London to train students there until war's end.

Departing New London 25 August 1945, the ship steamed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and decommissioned there 11 September 1945; she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 11 October 1945 and was sold to John J. Duane Company of Quincy 4 September 1946.

References

External links

* [http://ussseaowl.com/NewPages/SS69.html Beautiful, sharp black and white pictures taken of the interior and exterior of USS 0-8 (SS-69)]
* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08069.htm NavSource Online page for USS O-8]