R-1 in an unknown location, likely on the U.S. east coast, 1940-1945. R-1 had sat in reserve in Philadelphia, decommissioned between 1931 and 1940. As war loomed, the reserve O and R-class boats were reconditioned and put back into service. She served in a variety of unglamorous but vital roles, operating out of New London, Bermuda, Key West, and Casco Bay, Maine. She attacked and most likely damaged a German U-boat on April 16, 1942.
Photo provided by MMCM(SS) Rick Larson, USN (Ret.)
R-2 is shown here in an U.S. east coast port, 1935-1939. She has been painted black from the original haze gray and has received rescue/messenger buoys forward and aft. She has her name painted on the fairwater and superstructure as opposed to her hull number, so all this places the date in the time range given.
