R-2 sitting on the launch ways at Fore River Shipbuilding, September 23, 1918. Workmen are going over the boat and launch skids preparing for the launch later in the day. Flags have been strung and the rudder has been clamped to prevent it from being driven to one side or the other. The stern planes have had the same treatment. The Fore River ship yard, seen here, built EB designs because the company did not yet have a shipyard of its own in Groton, CT.
There is another submarine on the ways behind the R-2 on the right. There is not enough to identify it. It could be the R-4, R-5, or R-6.
Photo from MMCM(SS) Rick Larson, USN (Ret.)
A close shot of R-2's conning tower, fairwater, and bridge. The location is unknown, and the date is probably mid 1920's. On the far right you can see one of the round porthole-like deadlight windows that allowed a watchstander in the conning tower to see out. The starboard side running light can be seen just below the deadlight. The extension aft of the conning tower covers a ventilation intake that serves the aft end of the boat.
