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.
The Sargo-class submarines were among the first United States submarines to be sent into action after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, starting war patrols the day after the attack, having been deployed to the Philippines in late 1941. Similar to the previous Salmon class, they were built between 1937 and 1939. With a top speed of 21 knots, a range of 11,000 nautical miles (20,000 km), and a reliable propulsion plant, along with the Salmons they were an important step in the development of a true fleet submarine. In some references, the Salmons and Sargos are called the "New S Class", 1st and 2nd Groups.
USS Searaven during her sea trials on 13 May 1940
Periscope photo of a Japanese merchant ship sinking after being torpedoed by Seawolf.