Since the purchase and commissioning of the USS Holland in 1900, there have always been submarines in the United States Navy. Having submarines means having submarine sailors. These men have always been volunteers and have placed their very lives in the hands of their shipmates.
The ocean is a hazardous place. Submarines have added to the hazard by sailing in the ocean's depths. In wartime, the hazard is magnified because not only is the ocean trying to do you harm, but an enemy is trying to kill you. Yet, in the face of these dangers, the United States Submarine Force has carried out the tasks required of it, regardless of the cost.
One measure of the cost is men's lives. We have lost just over four thousand men who were on duty in the defense of our freedom when their young lives were snuffed out. The vast majority were lost during the awful days of World War II when the Force took the war to the doorstep of the enemy and forged the core of our Tradition.
In addition, we as a Force have lost many shipmates as a result of enemy action, accident or as it has been called “the hazards of the sea”. These men are listed separately from the boat losses here.
Research is still ongoing to make sure the listing is complete and correct.
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