submarine warfare in world war 2

Submarine Warfare In World War II

During the Second World War, the U.S. Navy sank over 30 percent of Japans Navy, including eight aircraft carriers! However, World War II Submarines aren't effective as today’s submarines. These had very limited battery life; diesel engines were fast on land, but not in water.  The submarine engines could go long distances, but not with the rough conditions underwater. These still had the firepower! Deck guns, and 24 torpedos’ was the average amount of weaponry on each submarine. These Subs were launched into rivers, so instead of plunging into the water "stem first" (the front). They were launched sideways because otherwise, the rocks and stones will puncture the "stem", leaking water into the sub. 

When WWII began, the submarines had no radar! Until august, 1942, the first radar was installed on the submarines! Even though this first radar system had a few kinks and glitches, it still did its job. Subs were now able to detect enemy and ally ships/subs. The captains of the subs had no idea how to control most of the parts/button on the subs. They had to "learn as you go", meaning you had to learn how to perform the controls in the sub during the war. Torpedo troubles came along; a little less than half of the crew didn't know how to launch the torpedos. This was part of the blame for the deaths on subs. However, the U.S. Navy had the most advanced torpedo’s putting them ahead of Japans game. 

 Towards the end of 1943, the situation of the U.S. Submarines began to improve its fleet. Their fleet of ships became more populated, and computer glitches were occurring less often. The officers and men had to change their tactics, before, during, and after the war. The U.S. Submarine Warfare was an improvement in combat, and helped save lives of american people.