USS Seadragon (SS-194)

The first Seadragon (SS-194) was laid down on 18 April 1938 by the Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.; christened during an attempted launching on 11 April 1939; sponsored by Mrs. J. 0. Richardson; and commissioned on 23 October 1939, Lt. John G. Johns in command.

Following a shakedown cruise off the east coast and in the Caribbean, Seadragon returned to New England and, on 23 May 1940. departed New London for the Philippines. With ComSubDiv 17 embarked, she arrived at Cayite on 30 November and commenced training operations as a unit of the Asiatic Fleet. A year later, she prepared for overhaul; and, by 8 December 1941 (7 December east of the International Date Line), she had started her yard period at the Cavite Navy Yard.

Two days later, on 10 December, she and Sealion (SS-195), moored together, were caught in an enemy air raid against Cavite. Sealion took a direct hit which demolished that submarine and damaged Seadragon, The force of the explosion ripped off part of the latter's bridge. Shrapnel and splinters punctured her tanks and pierced her conning tower, killing one and wounding five. The heat of the explosion scorched her hull and blistered her black paint.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Seadragon I (SS-194)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.