In October, 1925 while conducting a training exercise off Hawaii, the R-8 collided with the minesweeper USS Widgeon (AM-22) while the sub was at periscope depth. The conning tower fairwater, periscopes and shears, and the bridge were heavily damaged. Fortunately, the hull remained watertight and the boat was able to return to Pearl Harbor without further incident. She is seen here moored at the finger piers at the Submarine Base. The angle of the damage indicates that Widgeon struck her from the port side. They got very lucky. Had the R-8 been just a few feet closer to the surface the damage would have been catastrophic.
Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman
Another view of the collision damage, October 1925 at Pearl Harbor. The conning tower fairwater would require a complete rebuild with a replacement of both periscopes and the radio mast.
Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman
A closeup of the photo above, showing a forlorn crew on the gun deck. An awning has been erected to stave off the oppressive Hawaiian sun.
Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman
The USS Widgeon (AM-22), with which the R-8 collided on October 5, 1925. This photo was taken about the time of the collision probably prompting the picture taker to take this photo. The Widgeon was redesignated a submarine rescue ship, ASR-1, June 22, 1936.
Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman
It is not known for sure when this picture was taken, but it is likely that it was taken around the same time as the others above, in October 1925 after the R-8's collision with Widgeon.
