USS Jack (SS-259)

The first Jack (SS-259) was launched by Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn., 16 October 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Frances Seely; and commissioned at New London, Conn., 6 January 1943, Comdr. T. M. Dykers in command.

Jack underwent shakedown training along the New England coast, sailing from New London 26 April 1943 for service in the Pacific. Reaching Pearl Harbor 21 May, the submarine took on supplies and departed on her first offensive war patrol 5 June 1943. Taking part in a submarine offensive against Japan, she patrolled off Honshu. Jack came upon a five-ship convoy 26 June and in a series of five well-executed attacks sank 4,000-ton passenger-cargo ship Toyo Maru and 6,000-ton cargo ship Shozan Maru. In attempting to torpedo a third ship, the submarine was shaken by an aerial torpedo, but the alert crew corrected her dangerous diving angle and effected repairs. On Independence Day 1943, Jack began to track smoke on the horizon and soon detected Nikkyo Maru with an escort. The submarine sent the cargo ship under with three torpedoes and returned to Pearl Harbor for repairs 19 July 1943.

Jack's second war patrol (5 September-10 October) brought no opportunities for attack as engineering difficulties forced her to return prematurely to Pearl Harbor.

Continue to the full service history →About 842 words

From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Jack I (SS-259)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.