Charles Momsen
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Charles Bowers Momsen, nicknamed "Swede", was born in Flushing, New York. He was an American pioneer in submarine rescue for the United States Navy, and he invented the underwater escape device later called the "Momsen lung", for which he received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal in 1929. In May 1939, Momsen directed the rescue of the crew of Squalus (SS-192).
Charles Momsen
V-5 crewman A. L. Rosenkotter exits the submarine's forward escape trunk wearing a "Momsen lung" during the submarine's sea trials in July 1930.[citation needed]
Acting Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison (left) reads a letter of commendation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to several members of the USS Squalus salvage unit in his Navy Department offices, September 16, 1939. Commander Momsen is second from left.
The General Board of the U.S. Navy in November 1947. From left to right: Colonel Randolph M. Pate; Admiral Walter F. Boone; Admiral Charles H. McMorris; Admiral John H. Towers; Rear Admiral Momsen; Captain Leon J. Huffman; Commander Lee; and Captain Arleigh Burke
USS Sailfish (SS-192)
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USS Sailfish (SS-192), was a US Sargo-class submarine, originally named Squalus. As Squalus, the submarine sank off the coast of New Hampshire during test dives on 23 May 1939. The sinking drowned 26 crew members, but an ensuing rescue operation, using the McCann Rescue Chamber for the first time, saved the lives of the remaining 33 aboard. Squalus was salvaged in late 1939 and recommissioned as Sailfish in May 1940.
USS Sailfish (SS-192), off the Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, California, 13 April 1943
SS-192 in drydock after salvage
Conning tower of SS-192 on display at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, seen during a 2013 visit by General Martin Dempsey, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.