About this Unit
USS Irex (SS-482) was a Tench-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in May 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Although she did not see combat during the war, Irex played a significant role in postwar naval developments, notably becoming the first submarine to be fitted with a snorkel in 1946, which allowed extended submerged operations. Throughout her service, Irex participated in numerous training exercises, fleet maneuvers, and NATO operations during the Cold War, enhancing anti-submarine warfare tactics. After a distinguished career, she was decommissioned in 1969 and later sold for scrap.
Historical Facts
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Post-WWII Balao-class Submarine: USS Irex (SS-482) was a Balao-class submarine commissioned shortly after World War II, on 14 May 1945, representing the last generation of wartime U.S. diesel-electric submarines.
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First Submarine with a Snorkel: In 1947, Irex became the first United States submarine to be fitted with a snorkel, enabling her to run diesel engines while submerged and greatly increasing underwater endurance.
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Operations off Greenland: In March 1947, USS Irex operated off the coast of Greenland, testing cold-weather submarine capabilities in the frigid North Atlantic.
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Involved in Rescue Operations: In 1952, Irex assisted in the rescue of the crew of the Norwegian freighter Ringstad, which had run aground in a storm off Cape Cod.
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Modernization under GUPPY Program: Irex underwent the GUPPY (Greater Underwater Propulsive Power Program) modernization in 1957, receiving improved batteries, streamlined hull, and enhanced sonar and electronics.
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“Operation Inland Seas” Participant: In 1959, Irex participated in Operation Inland Seas, the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, becoming one of the first submarines to travel from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes.
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Cold War Patrols and Exercises: Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Irex took part in numerous NATO exercises and anti-submarine warfare training missions, reflecting the tense environment of the Cold War.
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Frequent Overhauls in Portsmouth: The submarine was frequently overhauled and updated at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, which helped keep her technologically relevant.
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Decommissioned after 26 Years: USS Irex was decommissioned on 10 September 1969, after over 24 years of service, and was struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day.
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Final Fate: After decommissioning, Irex was sold for scrap in 1971, marking the end of her unique career as a pioneer in submarine snorkel technology and Cold War operations.
