S-48

S-48 on the ways at the Lake Torpedo Boat Company, Bridgeport, CT., on her launch day of February 26, 1921. Note the angled steel guard attached to the hull over the non-retractable bow planes. This prevented a tug or other boat from hitting and damaging the planes. It also allowed a mooring cable for a mine to pass without being snared.

U.S. Navy photo.

A broad port side view of S-48 on the ways at the Lake yard in Bridgeport, CT. on February 26, 1921. Crowds have gathered on this snowy day to see the always exciting launch of one of Uncle Sam's undersea hunters.

U.S. Navy photo NH 108453 via the NHHC.

This photo, taken just prior to the launch of the S-48, is of the ship's sponsor, Mrs. James O. Germaine. She is a Native American princess of the Mohican Tribe. She was selected by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to be the sponsor. Her Mohican name is Princess Tocoomwas. The bow of the S-48 can be seen in the right background.

There is another woman in tribal dress on the left and she is wearing a number of beaded necklaces. On her dress on the lower front is a swastika. It has nothing to do with the Nazi party at this time. It is an ancient symbol that has history going back thousands of years and has various meanings depending on the region of the world it appears. The word swastika derives from the Sanskrit "svastika" meaning "lucky or auspicious object". it is commonly used as a religious symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism. It was considered as a luck symbol in many cultures.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

S-48 sliding down the ways and touching the water for the first time, February 26, 1921. The wooden cradle that she is sitting on will float free once she is fully waterborne. The cradle will be retrieved by a tug and reused.

U.S. Navy photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

S-48 fully afloat in the waters of Bridgeport Harbor after launching from the Lake Torpedo Boat Company yard, February 26, 1921. Tugs have made up to her and will be moving her to the fitting out pier. The launch cradle can be seen floating on the far left, and pancake ice litters the water on this cold winter day.

U.S. Navy photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

S-48 alongside the fitting out pier at the Lake yard, February 26, 1921. She is sitting high in the water as much work remains to be done, including installing the heavy battery cells. The bow plane guard can be seen just below the round superstructure limber holes.

Photo in the private collection of Ric Hedman.

Return to the S-class page | Return to the Submarine Classes page

Page created by:
Ric Hedman & David Johnston
1999 - 2023 - PigBoats.COM^©
Mountlake Terrace, WA, Norfolk, VA
webmaster at pigboats dot com