USS Skate (SS-305)

A salt water fish of the ray family, with a broad, flat body, and greatly developed pectoral fins that give the fish a rhomboidal shape.

The first Skate (SS-305) was laid down by the Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, Calif., on 1 August 1942; launched on 4 March 1943; sponsored by Mrs. George P. Shamer; and commissioned on 15 April 1943, Comdr. E. B. McKinney in command.

Following shakedown off the California coast, Skate sailed to Pearl Harbor and then, on 25 September 1943, headed toward Wake Island and her first war patrol, during which she performed lifeguard duty for the carriers during air strikes against that Japanese-held island. At dawn on 6 October, the submarine was strafed by enemy aircraft, mortally wounding one of her officers as he attempted to assist wounded airmen from a life raft. The next day, Skate closed to within 5,000 yards of the beach, in the face of heavy enemy bombardment, to rescue two downed aviators. While searching for a third, she was attacked by a Japanese dive-bomber, and was forced to dive to escape. After a short return to Midway, Skate returned to Wake Island and rescued four additional airmen before terminating her first patrol at Midway on 29 October.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Skate I (SS-305)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.