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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive
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Silversides (SS-236) (AGSS-236)

Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Holel - Zulu
Gato Class Submarine: Laid down, 4 November 1940, at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA.; Launched, 26 August 1941; Commissioned USS Silversides (SS-236), 15 December 1941; Decommissioned, 17 April 1946; Laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet; Placed in service, 15 October 1947 as a Naval Reserve training ship at Chicago, IL; Redesignated Auxiliary Submarine (AGSS-236), 1 December 1962; Placed out of service and struck from the Naval Register 30 June 1969; Final Disposition, donated to South Chicago Chamber of Commerce for preservation as a memorial at Muskegon, MI., opened 24 May 1973. In December of 2011 the board of directors changed the name of Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum to USS SILVERSIDES Submarine Museum. Silversides received twelve battle stars for World War II service.
Partial data submitted by Yves Hubert.

Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 1,526 t., Submerged: 2,410 t.; Length 311' 10"; Beam 27' 4"; Draft 15' 3"; Speed, Surfaced 20.25 kts, Submerged 8.75 kts; Complement 6 Officers 54 Enlisted; Maximum Operating Depth, 300 ft; Submerged Endurance, 48 hrs at 2 kts; Patrol Endurance 75 days; Cruising Range, 11,000 miles surfaced at 10 kts; Armament, ten 21" torpedo tubes, six forward, four aft, 24 torpedoes, one 3"/50 dual purpose deck gun, two .50 cal. machine guns, two .30 cal. machine guns; Propulsion, six FM diesel generator sets installed: four - 9 cylinder model 38D8-1/8 X 10 O.P. = 1600 BHP @ 720 RPM main propulsion generator sets, one - 7 cylinder model 38F5-¼ X 7-¼ O.P. = 440 BHP @ 1200 RPM auxiliary generator set and one - 3 cylinder model 38F5-¼ X 7-¼ O.P. = 150 BHP @ 1200 RPM emergency generator set., fuel capacity 116,000 gal., two 126 cell main storage batteries, twin screws.
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Silversides
0823623		1.33k Silversides (SS-236) keel laying, 4 November 1940.
I can only identify a few of the officials on the upper platform. The Capt. saluting is Capt. F. G. Crisp (Acting Shipyard Commander) and the civilian to the left is Dr. James J. Hogan (hat over his heart).		 USN photo 19-N-29434 courtesy of Naval Historical & Heritage Command via Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides186kSilversides (SS-236) keel laying cachet, 4 November 1940.USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Silversides & Gudgeon 221k Silversides (SS-236) & Gudgeon (SS-211), on the building ways at Mare Island, Cal. 2 January 1941. Silversides illustrates double hulled construction. The inner circular section is the pressure hull, the framing, which surrounds it, supports a thin streamlined outer hull. Such a configuration leaves the interior of the pressure hull unencumbered by framing and allows for a streamlined outer hull whose shape is not determined by the need to resist water pressure.
YO-45 is under construction aft of the two submarines. 		USN photo courtesy of U.S. Submarines Through 1945, An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman. Naval Institute Press, courtesy of Robert Hurst.
Silversides 52k Silversides (SS-236) hidden under the scaffolding whilst under construction at the Mare Island Navy Yard, near San Francisco, on 1 July 1941, about two months before the submarine was launched. USN photo from "The American Submarine" by Norman Polmar, courtesy of Robert Hurst.
Trigger & Silversides 677k Bow view showing the progress of the Silversides (SS-236) & the Trigger (SS-237) under construction at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, CA., 1 July 1941. USN photo # 1381-41, courtesy of Rick Connole, son of Commander David R. Connole, K.I.A. while commanding the Trigger (SS-237), 26 March 1945.
Silversides 638k The official launching party seen shortly before the christening of the Silversides (SS-236) at Mare Island on 26 August 1941. From left to right. Dr. J. J. Hogan, Mrs. W. L. Friedell, Capt. Crisp, Yard Manager, Mrs. J. J. Hogan christeningthe Silversides (SS-236), RADM Wilhelm L. Friedell (Yard Commandant), and LCDR Walter E. Anderson (Aide to Yard Commandant). Photo courtesy of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 155k Mrs. J. J. Hogan christens the Silversides (SS-236) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 26 August 1941. Pictured from left to right are: Mrs. W. L. Friedell; Capt. Crisp, Yard Manager; Mrs J. J. Hogan (Sponsor); LCDR Walter E. Anderson (Aide to Yard Commandant); RADM Wilhelm L. Friedell (Yard Commandant); and Dr. J. J. Hogan. USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 266k Stern view of the Silversides (SS-236) ready for launch at Mare Island Navy Yard on 26 August 1941. USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 235k The Silversides (SS-236) is half way down the ways during her launching at Mare Island Navy Yard on 26 August 1941. The Trigger (SS-237) can be seen on the building ways on the right. USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 53k A news clipping of the Silversides (SS-236) at the end of ways during her launching at Mare Island Navy Yard on 26 August 1941. USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 145k The Silversides (SS-236) is waterborne after launching at Mare Island Navy Yard on 26 August 1941. USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 786k Another submarine for Uncle Sam; the Silversides (SS-236) slips off the ways of the Mare Island; Calif. navy yard 26 August and a navy tug moves in to put lines aboard. Five more submarines are under construction at the yard. Photo by Toronto Star Archives/Toronto Star via Getty Images, courtesy of gettyimages.com.
Silversides 96k Commandant's Order No. 19-41 for the launching of Silversides (SS-236) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 26 August 1941. USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 71k The detailed launch schedule for the Silversides (SS-236). USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 73k Postal cover marking the launching of the Silversides (SS-236) on 26 August 1941 at Mare Island Navy Yard. Contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 96k A photo of noted guests at launching of the Silversides (SS-236) at Mare Island Navy Yard on 26 August 1941. From left to right: Major John Stewart of Vallejo; Capt A. D. Denny (Captatin of the Yard); Dr. J. J. Hogan; Mrs. Hugo W. Osterhaus; RADM (Retired) Hugo W. Osterhaus (Commander Patrol Force); Mrs. W. L. Friedell; Mrs. A. D. Denny; Mrs. J. J. Hogan (Sponsor); Mrs. John Stewart, RADM Wilhelm L. Friedell (Yard Commandant); and LCDR Walter E. Andrews (Aide to Commandant). USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 1.82k 14 page PDF of photos from a scrap book on the launching of Silversides (SS-236) in 1941. All photos from the files of the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 634k Silversides (SS-236) fitting out at the Mare Island Navy Yard, 1 October 1941. Note: YF-239 alongside. Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. 19-N-29438 via Mike Green.
Silversides 160k Silversides (SS-236) nearing completion, October 1941. Note that the diving planes are rigged out and the top two port torpedo tubes are visible. Photo and text courtesy of The Floating Drydock, "Fleet Subs of WW II", by Thomas F. Walkowiak.
Silversides 40k Photo of CDR Creed C. Burlingame, USN, Silversides (SS-236) first commanding officer at Mare Island at the commissioning ceremony at Mare Island, 15 December 1941. USN photo courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Text info courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides264kCommissioning of Silversides (SS-236) at Mare Island, California on 15 December 1941.Source: US Naval History Heritage and Command, Photo No. UA 564.06 courtesy of Mike Green.
Silversides 172k The Silversides (SS-236) off Mare Island taken on 2 February 1942, shortly after she was commissioned. USN photo # 579-42, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 105k Broadside view of Silversides (SS-236) on or about 31 March 1942 as she was on sea trials. USN photo # 19-N-29826 courtesy of ussubvetsofwwii.org.
Text courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 92k While far out at sea on the night of Christmas Eve 1942, during her fouth patrol, the Silversides (SS-236) pharmacist's mate, Thomas Moore, performed a successful emergency appendectomy on Seaman George Platter. The event was recorded by Lt. Robert K.R. Worthington, who was entrusted with the submarine's only camera, a Kodak Medalist.
Of the three appendectomies performed at sea on board U.S. submarines during World War II, the Silversides was the only one to be photographed.
The shirtless sailor in the background of the top photo is Bob Detmers, the one on the right is Albert Stegall. The appendectomy was performed at a depth of 150 feet and took about four hours but was successful. George Platter was standing watches again six days later and lived to a ripe old age.
"Note: Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Freeland Daubin, fearing that some of his submariners might come down with appendicitis at sea, had proposed that all men in Squadron Four have their appendices removed. At the time, the idea seemed absurd. Considering the large number of appendicitis attacks that occured during the war, however, some with near fatal consequences, the idea, in retrospect, had merit."		USN photo contributed by Skip Riser.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS, Fred Tannenbaum, and Silent Victory, The US Submarine War Against Japan by Clay Blair. Pg. 292.
Silversides
0823642a		1.33k APPENDECTOMY PERFORMED IN SUBMERGED SUBMARINE.
Thomas A Moore (left), 22, pharmacists' mate first class of Chino Valley, Ariz., with the assistance of Richard Stegall, radio man, performed an appendectomy on Fireman George M. Platter, 21, of Buffalo, N. Y„ while their submarine, on patrol in enemy waters, was submerged. Fireman Platter returned to light duties in eight days.
Sailor on Sub Removes Mate's Appendix in 5-Hour Operation
Surgeon Moore (right) and Fireman Platter are shown together after the operation. 		A. P. Wirephotos from Navy.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 14 February 1943, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Silversides 454k Asahi Maru photographed through the periscope of Silversides (SS-236) at Lat 07, 01, N, Long 151, 49, E. Photographed 3 January 1943. USN photograph # 80-G-36704 now in the collections of the National Archives, courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.
Silversides 50k Shortly after midnight 24 October 1943, during her seventh war patrol, the Silversides (SS-236) attacked a multi-ship convoy, scoring hits on three ships. The tanker, later identified as the Tennan Maru, sank immediately. The freighters Kazan Maru and Johore Maru were severely damaged. The Kazan Maru (pictured here) had her bow blown off and sank that afternoon. Silversides crewmembers recovered a life ring and 20-millimeter gun from the ship that was given to the U.S. Naval Submarine School at New London, Conn.USN photo contributed by Skip Riser.
Text courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 66k The Johore Maru is shown listing and burning on the afternoon of 24 October. The Silversides (SS-236) is circling her and trying to finish her off with fire from her deck guns. That caused additional fires but did not sink the maru. Wanting to chase the rest of the convoy, the Silversides pulled several hundred yards away and fired a single torpedo that broke the back of the Johore Maru and hastened her sinking. USN photo contributed by Skip Riser.
Text courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 66k The Johore Maru sinking following a final torpedo shot by the Silversides (SS-236) in the early evening of 24 October. USN photo contributed by Skip Riser.
Text courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 64k Silversides (SS-236), 3"/50 cal gun in action against a Japanese picket boat, 14 October, 1942. USN photo courtesy of William Cracknell, from his book "Profile Warship # 34".
Silversides 228k Silversides (SS-236) returning to port, possibly 11 February 1943. Photo courtesy of Robert Morgan.
Silversides 98k Silversides (SS-236) off Mare Island during her overhaul. On the left looking aft, the T shaped object on the main deck is a sonar head. She was under repair at Mare Island from 19 June to 4 September 1944. USN photo contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 176k Aft plan view of the Silversides (SS-236) at Mare Island on 21 August 1944. USN photo # 5333-44, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 159k Stern view of the Silversides (SS-236) off Mare Island on 21 August 1944. USN photo # 5336-44, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides 178k Broadside view of the Silversides (SS-236) off Mare Island on 21 August 1944. USN photo # 5338-44, contributed by Darryl L. Baker.
Silversides531kSilversides (SS-236) insignia photo.USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Silversides 942k Artwork by I. R. Lloyd showing the Silversides (SS-236) underway. Photo by I. R. Lloyd from the files of the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum via Darryl L. Baker.
Fremantle 365k This plaque was unveiled 20 March 1995 by His Excellency Major General P.M. Jeffery OA MC, Governor of Western Australia to commemorate the sacrifices made by Allied submarines that operated out of Fremantle, Western Australia during WW II. Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Silversides3.02kSubmarines bound for States as seen by the Fulton (AS-11) on 18 August 1945. The Silversides (SS-236) appears on her way home.
The boat on the upper right is a 2/1-1 configured Government design Balao/Tench. I can't give you much more than that.		Text i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein, Robert Morgan & David Johnston.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Chuck Haberlein & Fred Tannenbaum.
US National Archives photo # 80-G-337659 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Silversides 71k The crew of the Silversides (SS-236) line the boat on the Hudson River on 27 October 1945 during Navy Day celebrations. USN photo by Ted Stone.
Text courtesy of DANFS.
Silversides 772k Silversides (SS-236) served as a training ship for naval reservists at Chicago, Ill. in 1964. Photo courtesy of Chuck Thompson.
Silversides 851k No passing of submarines on a one way street; Silversides (SS-236) at Chicago, Ill. in 1964. Photo courtesy of Chuck Thompson.
Silversides 112k Silversides (SS-236) on the south side of Chicago's Navy Pier on 29 May 1980. She remained at this berth until 7 August 1987. Photo courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 411k Silversides (SS-236) (right side of pier) docked at Navy Pier in Chicago. Muskegon Chronicle archive photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Silversides 95k Silversides (SS-236) at dawn in June 1980 at Chicago's Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 140k Silversides (SS-236) on 31 August 1984. She wears a modified Measure 32/3SSB World War II submarine camouflage scheme. Photo courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 179k Silversides (SS-236) veterans gather on board the boat on 1 September 1984. Her second commanding officer, John S. Coye Jr. stands at center. Former pharmacists mate Thomas Moore, the "surgeon" of the famous appendectomy, isstanding third from left. Former executive officer Robert K.R. Worthington is standing fifth from left. Former lieutenant Keith Nichols is standing fourth from the right while former lieutenant Eugene Malone is standing second from right. Photo from the collection of RADM John S. Coye Jr. USN(Ret.) Photo courtesy of Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides 151k A sign hangs from a building in downtown Muskegon reading Silversides (SS-236) We want you! The People of Muskegon' in October of 1985. Muskegon Chronicle archive photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Silversides 435k Silversides (SS-236) leaves its dock in Chicago bound for Muskegon in August of 1987. Muskegon Chronicle archive photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Silversides 260k Silversides (SS-236) being pushed into its new home near downtown Muskegon on 4 April 1991. Muskegon Chronicle archive photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Silversides 72k Silversides (SS-236), a national landmark and a museum, is seen at "full dress ship" in Muskegon, MI. for the US Navy's Submarine Centennial, 3 June 2000. Photo by Lt. Scott McIlnay.
USN photo # N-8321M-002, US Navy Chinfo Photo Gallery web site.
Silversides 43k Conning tower tally of all the Silversides (SS-236) sinkings during WW II. Contributed by Fred Tannenbaum.
Silversides
0823640		681k Silversides (SS-236) radio room. Photo courtesy of John Hummel.
Silversides290kSilversides (SS-236) is shown in a Michigan winter in Muskegon, 26 January 2008. It is a designated US National Historic Landmark and is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). NRHP reference number 72000453. Photo taken by Adam Botbyl courtesy of Robert Hurst.
View the Silverside (236)
DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site.
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U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
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Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
Historic Ships Visitiors Guide - USS Silversides (SS-236)
Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum
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