Congratulations to the US Silent Service, and happy Birthday!

The USS Holland SS-1 was commissioned on this date in 1900. Today, 12 October, is considered the birthday of the US Silent Service.

The SS-1 was the United States Navy's first 'commissioned' submarine, named for her inventor, John Philip Holland. She was the fourth sub built by John Holland. She was originally laid as "Holland VI", and launched on 17 May 1897.

The SS-1 was not the first submarine of the US Navy that title goes to the Alligator in 1862.
During the war of Northern Aggression; the Union built four 'Alligator' submarines, in the Washington and the Philadelphia Navy Yards. While the Norfolk Navy Yard was rebuilding CSS Virginia, and the David class submersibles operated out of Charleston, SC, fighting the blockades there.

The Turtle was the world's first submarine used in battle. Invented in 1775 by David Bushnell and funded by General George Washington. On September 7, 1776, the Turtle attacked the HMS Eagle, South of Manhattan, where the Hudson River and the East River merge. The currents at this point were strong and complicated that attack.

Congratulations to the US Navy's Silent Service.

A long history of putting themselves in danger to serve our nation.
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ET1 SS - USN Retired

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardener Fair

We should always pray for our service men and women! My grandfather, in the army, was an amphibian tank commnder. Nice post...