S-30

The crew of the S-30, taken on July 2, 1921 in San Pedro, CA. This was a time of uncertainty for the S-30. She was suffering from severe engine problems that hobbled her performance. She even spent six months in "in ordinary" status later that same year. Plans were afoot to transfer her to Groton, CT. to a facility set up by Electric Boat to overhaul and rebuild her engines. She would make the journey the following February.

The LCDR in the center is Howard Burton Berry, Commanding Officer of the S-30. The LTjg seated next to him is believed to be A. Brown, who is likely the XO. This is an unusual image as it has six men of color. In those days one or two might be normal. At least three of the Asian men are rates other than a Steward or Mess Attendant. This is somewhat unusual as President Wilson's policies had expanded segregation in the services, with non-whites being relegated to servant roles. It is likely that the three men had been "grandfathered" in and allowed to keep their ratings. Two of the Asian men have no rating patches that are visible. The young Black man, third from right front row, also has no rating patches but he is no doubt a Mess Attendant.

Non-white sailors served just as effectively and honorably as any other, and their treatment in those years was unjustifiable, utterly regrettable, and NOT the Navy or our country's finest hour.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

Crewman Harry Fields sitting at the 4"/50 caliber deck gun on the S-30. The date is not known for sure but it is circa 1925.

Photo courtesy of Carolyn Fields Snider whose uncle, Harry Fields took the photos or is in them. Used with permission.

This and the following four photos were all taken during the summer of 1938 when S-30 made a visit to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. The five photos were not all taken at the same time, and probably cover several different visits during that summer.

This starboard view shows the docks behind, and faintly, several floatplanes behind the submarine. The cranes used to lift the planes is to the left. This view shows S-30 after she was painted black, and after she received safety modifications. One of those modifications is a rescue buoy installed on the forward deck, starboard side. The deck is bulged outwards just aft of where "S30" is painted in white on the superstructure.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

This view from the dock shows the S-30 in nearly the same configuration as the last photo. There is an awning erected over the forward deck. Very prominent on the forward deck is the short, braced mast for the JK/SC sonar array. The SC is the T-shaped protion with the ball-shape being the JK. Both were passive listening arrays. The floatplane has an "NA 7" painted on it and "US NAVY" painted under the rear wing. This is a Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 assigned to the academy and used to train midshipmen in basic flying skills. The very tall forward radio mast was a temporary installation erected for pierside training purposes. It would have been removed prior to getting underway.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

The person taking the photograph has walked a bit further down the dock and snapped another image. This time you can see the topside watch, in Dress Whites, wearing a gun belt and holster at the breech of the deck gun, talking with another man wearing dungarees. There is a large white canvas awning stretched over the fore deck in an effort to provide some shade from the summer sun. On the deck, just under the forward end of the gun barrel there looks to be one or two men laying on the deck in the shade of the awning. The sign on the pier says: "No Smoking On Dock" and there appears to be another rolled up awning laying next to it.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

The photographer has turned slightly and snapped a view down the pier at the floatplanes. The N3N-3 training aircraft can be better seen.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

A nice bow on photo of the S-30. The awning seen in the last two images is not present. This photo could have been taken at a different time than the other two.

Various crew are on deck in dungarees with a Chief or officer in khakis. The topside watch is in whites and wearing a M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol. Two civilians are facing the camera, possibly the people posing for the photo taker. They are in dress shirts with ties and fashionable summer straw hats, white shoes are noted.

Note the Union Jack flying at the bow jackstaff. Wing tips from the sea planes parked on the pier are visible at the right.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

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