The E-class harbor defense submarines were built to an Electric Boat Company design at the Fore River Shipbuilding Company in Quincy, MA. They were the first submarines in the USN to be powered by diesel engines, and the first to be equipped with bow diving planes. These two boats were originally named Skipjack and Sturgeon. On November 17, 1911, after launching but prior to being commissioned, the Navy changed its naming convention for submarines and these boats received their E-class names. Both boats were redesignated from their original general submarine designations to the new SS series on July 17, 1920.
E-1 (Submarine No. 24, later SS-24)
Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman
The E-1 is seen here at an unidentified location, possibly Ponta Delgada, Azores, summer 1918. E-1 was a pathfinder, the first USN submarine with bow diving planes, seen here folded up alongside the forward superstructure. The bow planes were used to keep a precise depth, and the stern planes were used to control the up or down angle while running submerged. The E-class boats were also the first to have diesel engines. In this photo E-1 is either starting or finishing a long surface run, evidenced by the extensive bridge structure and the tall radio masts. All of this topside clutter would have to be disassembled and stowed below before the boat could dive, a process estimated to take at least 45 minutes.
A color postcard image of E-2 underway with her bow planes rigged out, either just after or shortly before a dive. Date is approximately 1912-1913. Location is unknown, but could possibly be Narragansett Bay, R.I.
USN photo courtesy of Michael Mohl at Navsource.org.
E-1 and E-2 moored together at an unknown location, approximately 1912. There is a destroyer in the background. The crew are relaxing topside, indicating that this is the conclusion of a long run at sea. One crewman on the right appears to be reading a magazine.
