About this Unit
USS Sea Cat (SS-399) was a Balao-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in March 1944. During World War II, she conducted several war patrols in the Pacific Theater, engaging enemy shipping and performing lifeguard duty for air strikes. Sea Cat earned three battle stars for her service, contributing to the Allied effort through reconnaissance and offensive operations against Japanese vessels. After the war, she remained active in the fleet, serving in training roles and undergoing various modernizations until her decommissioning in 1968.
Historical Facts
•
USS Sea Cat (SS/AGSS-399) was a Balao-class submarine that served in the United States Navy during World War II and the early years of the Cold War.
•
Construction and Commissioning: Sea Cat was laid down on 6 October 1943 by Portsmouth Navy Yard, launched on 21 January 1944, and commissioned on 16 March 1944.
•
War Patrols: During World War II, Sea Cat conducted a total of five war patrols, primarily in the Pacific Theater, including the South China Sea and the Philippine Islands area.
•
Combat Record: Although she did not sink any enemy ships, Sea Cat contributed to the war effort by rescuing downed aviators and disrupting Japanese shipping through reconnaissance and lifeguard duties.
•
Post-War Service: After World War II, Sea Cat was decommissioned and placed in reserve, but was later modernized and recommissioned in 1951 as an auxiliary research submarine (AGSS-399).
•
GUPPY Conversion: Sea Cat received the GUPPY II conversion, which upgraded her with snorkel systems, improved batteries, and a streamlined hull for greater underwater performance, reflecting Cold War technological advancements.
•
Scientific Research: In her later years, Sea Cat participated in various experimental missions and research activities, including sonar testing and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
•
Home Ports: Throughout her service, Sea Cat was based at several different ports, including Key West, Florida, which was an important hub for submarine operations and training during the Cold War.
•
Decommissioning and Fate: USS Sea Cat was finally decommissioned on 2 December 1968 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1971. She was sold for scrap in 1973.
•
Legacy: While not as famous as some of her sister ships, the Sea Cat represents the adaptability and longevity of the Balao-class submarines, serving in both combat and research roles for nearly three decades.
