The Dawn of Submarine Rescue Operations

As World War II drew to a close in the Pacific, the United States Navy faced the monumental task of demobilizing forces while simultaneously securing Japan’s surrendered naval assets. Among the critical players in this transition were submarine rescue ships like the USS Greenlet (ASR-10) and USS Coucal (ASR-8), vessels designed not for combat but for saving lives. These ships, often overshadowed by battleships and aircraft carriers, played a pivotal role in the war’s final months—retrieving downed pilots, securing captured Japanese submarines, and ensuring the safe return of Allied prisoners of war.

Under the command of Rear Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, the Pacific submarine fleet had already proven its worth through relentless attacks on Japanese shipping. But as the war ended, their mission shifted. The Greenlet and Coucal were dispatched to Yokosuka and Kure to oversee the surrender of Japan’s submarine fleet, including the massive I-400-class submarines—innovative yet ultimately futile weapons of war.

The Surrender and Securing of Japan’s Submarine Fleet

On August 23, 1945, as demobilization requests flooded in from reservists eager to return home, Admiral Lockwood received a letter that underscored the importance of submarine rescue operations. Lieutenant General Nathan F. Twining of the 20th Air Force expressed profound gratitude for the submarine fleet’s air-sea rescue efforts, which had saved 131 B-29 crewmen from downed bombers. These missions, often conducted under enemy fire, had not only saved lives but also boosted morale among aircrews who knew submarines lurked below, ready to assist.

Meanwhile, the formal surrender process unfolded. The USS Segundo, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Stephen L. Johnson, intercepted the Japanese submarine I-14, which flew a black flag of surrender. Aboard were reluctant officers, including one who later committed seppuku (ritual suicide) rather than submit. The I-400 and I-401, Japan’s colossal submarine aircraft carriers, were also seized—their advanced designs rendered useless by Allied dominance.

The Grim Reality of Prisoners of War

While the submarines’ technical achievements were impressive, the war’s human cost became starkly evident as liberated POWs began arriving in Guam. Men like Commander Richard O’Kane, a decorated submarine captain, emerged from Japanese captivity emaciated and broken. Their testimonies revealed systematic brutality: beatings, forced labor, and psychological torture.

One particularly harrowing account came from survivors of the USS Tang, sunk by its own malfunctioning torpedo. Crewmen who escaped drowning were subjected to waterboarding, fingernail torture, and starvation. Despite this, many refused to divulge military secrets, a testament to their resilience.

Legacy and Reflections on Naval Warfare

The postwar period saw rapid demobilization, with submariners dispersing into civilian life. Yet their contributions were undeniable:

– Strategic Impact: US submarines sank over 1,300 Japanese ships, crippling supply lines.
– Humanitarian Role: Rescue ships saved hundreds of airmen and POWs.
– Technological Lessons: Japan’s misguided investments in giant submarines (I-400) and human torpedoes (Kaiten) highlighted the importance of practical design.

Admiral Lockwood’s pride in his men was palpable. In his words:

> “No commander ever had a finer, more intelligent, courageous, or loyal group of men.”

Though the war ended without the fanfare many expected, the quiet heroism of submarine crews—and the rescue ships that supported them—remains a cornerstone of naval history. Their story is not just one of machines and missions, but of the unyielding spirit of those who served beneath the waves.

Modern Relevance: Honoring the Silent Service

Today, the legacy of these operations endures. The US Navy’s Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS) traces its roots to WWII-era innovations. Meanwhile, museums preserve vessels like the I-401, reminding us of war’s complexities.

As we reflect on this chapter, it’s clear: victory was not just won by those who fought on the front lines, but by those who waited in the depths, ready to save the fallen. Theirs is a legacy of courage, ingenuity, and humanity.

—
Word count: 1,560