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Originally Posted by Otto Harkaman

USS Pompano SS-181




The Pompano's story highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of her crew in the face of adversity.

The USS Pompano (SS-181) was a Tambor-class submarine in the U.S. Navy during World War II, commissioned in 1937. Like other submarines of its class, it faced numerous technical and operational challenges, particularly concerning its engines.

Engine Problems:
The USS Pompano, like many early-war U.S. submarines, used diesel-electric propulsion, which was a standard but sometimes unreliable technology. Specific engine issues included:

1. Unreliable Diesel Engines: The Fairbanks-Morse engines used in Tambor-class submarines, including the Pompano, were prone to overheating, oil leaks, and difficulty maintaining consistent RPMs. These issues could arise due to design limitations, poor maintenance practices, or the strain of wartime operations.
2. Carbon Buildup and Fouling: Extended submerged operations often led to engine fouling when the submarine surfaced to recharge batteries. Carbon deposits in exhaust systems could cause backfiring and reduced efficiency.
3. Cooling System Failures: The engines' cooling systems sometimes failed to manage the intense heat generated during long runs. This was exacerbated in tropical environments, such as the Pacific Theater, where temperatures made cooling even more challenging.
4. Battery Complications: Since the submarine relied on batteries for submerged propulsion, any failure in the diesel engines to properly charge these batteries jeopardized missions. Overcharging or undercharging batteries could lead to severe operational limitations or even dangerous gas buildup.

Operational Adaptations:
Despite these setbacks, the USS Pompano’s crew and engineers displayed ingenuity and determination:

• Field Repairs: Crew members often performed makeshift repairs while at sea, using limited tools and parts to keep the submarine operational.
• Conservation Measures: The crew adapted by conserving fuel and battery power, often modifying mission plans to avoid long transits or extended submerged operations.
• Surface Cruising: When feasible, the Pompano would cruise on the surface to maximize engine output and reduce wear on its submerged systems.

Legacy:
While the engine problems were a constant source of frustration, they were symptomatic of broader issues with early U.S. submarine design and wartime demands. Despite these challenges, the Pompano conducted numerous patrols and made significant contributions before its mysterious loss in 1943, likely due to enemy mines or depth charges.

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