USS Gato SS-212 1944 Gato class submarine

Gato (SS-212), off Mare Island Navy Yard, 29 November 1944. 

Shown on 23 November 1944, Gato (SS-212) was typical of submarines in mid-war. Her open bridge was cut to a minimum. Numerous extra limber holes were cut into her superstructure for faster diving. Patterns varied from boat to boat. The bridge fairwater accommodates a 20-mm gun forward & a single 40-mm aft. The deck gun is a 4 in/50 taken from an S-boat. 

Bow on view of Gato (SS-212) at Mare Island on 29 November 1944 

Stern view of Gato (SS-212) at Mare Island on 29 November 1944 

Stern plan view of Gato (SS-212) at Mare Island on 23 November 1944. She was in overhaul at the shipyard from 10 September until 6 Dec 1944. The barge tied up to her port side is YF-513 

Modifications made on 29 November 1944 at Mare Island for Gato (SS-212)include installation of a new freestanding mast for her SD radar and relocation of her SJ to a new mast supported by her periscope shears. In some boats the new SJ mast was mounted forward of the periscope shears.
The three girders supporting the shears are the only remnants of the prewar enclosed bridge: their height indicates how far the fairwater has been cut down. Note also the ammunition-passing scuttle let into the deck abaft the bridge fairwater. 

 

This top view of the 4"/50 cal deck gun mounted on board the Gato (SS-212)
during her 29 November 1944 overhaul. Note the deck hatches for the stowage of the small boats carried below the main deck. To the left of the gun at the tip of the barrel is the forward marker buoy. The forward escape trunk top hatch is open. To the right of the marker buoy is the access to the escape trunk size door