S-39 off Tsingtao, China, approximately 1927-1928. It looks like she has two torpedoes resting on the deck forward of the gun. They were likely fired in an exercise and retrieved for refurbishment and reuse. The photo was taken from the submarine tender USS Canopus (AS-9).
Photo provided by the late MMCM(SS) Rick Larson, USN (Ret.)
S-39 surfacing off Tsingtao, China in the summer of 1931. The photo looks to have been taken around midday based on the shadow angles. She appears to be running at nearly full speed, judging by the wake.
Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.
Closeup of the photo above showing details of the conning tower fairwater. The number 1 periscope is raised. A few of the interesting details seen are the small doors in the side of the fairwater aft. In some other photos one of these has proved to hide a shower head. Probably a salt-water shower since fresh water is a short supply aboard these vessels.
