R-14

Notes

R-14 was involved in one of the most unusual incidents in U.S. Submarine Force history. In May, 1921 R-14 and several of her sister boats were assigned to an emergency search and rescue operation to locate for the missing fleet tug USS Conestoga (AT-54), believed to be in the waters east of Hawaii. Towards the end of the 10 day operation, R-14 ran out of fuel while still 140 miles east of the big island of Hawaii. As luck would have it, her radio was out of commission as well so they couldn't call for help. The crew banded together, discussed the problem, and decided to raise sails! By sewing together canvas hammocks and blankets they were able to raise enough sail to move at about two knots. They eventually made it to Hilo where they rendezvoused with R-12 (SS-89) and took on enough fuel to get back to Pearl Harbor. It was a triumph of ingenuity, innovation, and perseverance. Webmasters Ric Hedman and David Johnston have written a book that thoroughly examines the incident. We would appreciate it if you would give it a read. You will enjoy it. Please see this link for more information.

Ric Hedman was gifted a set of photos from the family of Raymond Suess, a crewmember of the R-14 at the time of the sailing incident. Many of the photos below come from that collection, most of which can not be found anywhere else. They are an amazing look into the lives of the average submariner in 1921.

R-14 alongside at an unknown location. The background looks like Groton, CT., so this could be shortly after her commissioning in 1919 as she was preparing to transfer to the Pacific. On the other hand, the white diamond on her periscope shears is indicative of her time in Hawaii.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman

R-14 and one of her sister boats sitting idly by off the rugged mountains of Oahu, circa 1921.

Photo courtesy of Robert Suess and the Suess Family, now in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

R-14 in drydock at Pearl Harbor, 1921. In the drydock with R-14 is an Eagle-class patrol vessel, just barely in view on the far left. The R-class needed frequent and thorough maintenance in order to stay operational, and this process was never-ending.

Photo courtesy of Robert Suess and the Suess Family, now in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

R-14's starboard bow seen in drydock with both of the outer shutter doors for the tubes in the open position. The standard Navy stockless anchor is normally housed in the recess just forward of the bow planes, but in this photo it has been removed for maintenance. The R-class were of riveted construction, and a few dozen of the thousands of rivets that held her together are visible here.

Photo courtesy of Robert Suess and the Suess Family, now in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

A wider shot of the bow taken from the drydock wall, 1921. A few of the buildings of the shipyard can be seen in the background. Naval Station Pearl Harbor and the shipyard were still under construction when the R-boats were moved there, and conditions were still a little primitive.

Photo courtesy of Robert Suess and the Suess Family, now in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

R-14's stern while in drydock at Pearl Harbor, 1921. This shows her axially mounted rudder and diving planes, and the original design for the aft superstructure "skeg" that ran down from the deck to the rudder. Note the extensive system of keel blocks used to support the hull while in the dock.

Photo courtesy of Robert Suess and the Suess Family, now in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

File:R-14 bow planes work.jpg

This is a very interesting photo that directly illustrates the changes in opinion towards safety that has taken place over the last 100 years. In an operation that would make a modern day NAVOSH or OSHA inspector cringe, a lone sailor is working on the rigged out bow plane while the boat is underway in the channel of Pearl Harbor. No safety harness, no safety lines, no assistant to grab him if he falls. Just a slight wrong movement and he would be in the water, and with the boat moving forward it would be likely that he would be sucked into the whirling propellers before anyone could stop it. Even in 1921 it had to have been known that this was fraught with danger, yet it was considered an acceptable risk. Not today!

Photo courtesy of Robert Suess and the Suess Family, now in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

Chief Gunner's Mate (Torpedo) Harry E. Woodworth of Omaha, NE. Woodworth was the Chief of the Boat (COB) for the R-14 in 1921, the senior enlisted man aboard and the principal enlisted advisor to the commanding officer. He was the boat's "get-it-done" man, directing the daily activities of the enlisted crew. He was experienced and tough, but well-liked and respected.

Photo courtesy of Robert Suess and the Suess Family, now in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

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