USS Hoe SS-258

The USS Hoe was a United States Navy Gato-class submarine that was awarded seven Battle Stars for her actions during World War II. She was 311 feet long and powered by four diesel engines driving electrical generators, two 126-cell batteries, four high-speed electric motors with reduction gears, and two propellers. Her complement included 60 sailors and the vessel could last 48 hours when submerged to 300 feet at two knots, or 75 patrol days. The USS Hoe had a range of 11,000 nautical miles when traveling at 10 knots when surfaced. The vessel and could reach 21 knots per hour while surfaced and nine knots submerged. The USS Hoe's armament consisted of ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, 24 torpedoes, one 3-inch / 50 caliber deck gun and four machine guns.

World War II

The USS Hoe's keel was laid down on the January 2, 1942 by the Electric Boat Company of Connecticut and launched September 17, 1942. The vessel was commissioned three months later. It took four more months for the USS Hoe to be completely fitted and complete shakedown exercises. She departed on her maiden voyage in April 1943. The USS Hoe set sail for the Panama Canal, and then continued to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After final war preparations, she embarked on combat war patrol at the end of May in the waters near Guam and Palau. Within a few weeks, the USS Hoe attacked and damaged two enemy freighters. She finished that patrol in July and departed the area for Hawaii, with stops in Ulithi and Midway Atoll.

The USS Hoe incurred substantial difficulties with her engine equipment during her next mission near Truk before damaging an enemy tanker while dodging depth charge attacks in late summer. In October, the USS Hoe was ordered to search for downed pilots in the waters near Wake Island before returning for repairs, which lasted through the following January. Assigned to the area near Mindanao and Halmahera, the USS Hoe damaged another ship within weeks before conducting patrol duties. In the fall the USS Hoe avoided enemy convoy escort vessels and managed to sink the Japanese tanker Nissho Maru.

By March 1944, USS Hoe sailed to Fremantle, Australia for a refit. Departing a month later, the USS Hoe voyaged to the South China Sea, where she attacked another convoy and damaged several freighters while again evading depth charge attacks. She was directed to remain in that area until the end of the year, when she was given the role of leader of a coordinated attack group. While she and her team were southwest of Lingayen Gulf, they were responsible for the sinking of passenger-cargo ship Kohoko Maru, as well as 38,000 tons of Japanese shipping.

In early 1945, at a depth of 60 feet, the USS Hoe hit an object, but there was only minor damage. It was later discovered that she had actually collided with sister ship and patrol partner USS Flounder, which was an unusual military occurrence. A few days later in the South China Sea, the USS Hoe sank the escort, Shinan. Upon entering Apra Harbor on her way to the Western Pacific, World War II concluded and the vessel returned to New York. One year later, the USS Hoe was decommissioned in New London, Connecticut, and joined the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. Ten years later the USS Hoe served as a Naval Reserve Training Ship. As a member of the 3rd Naval District, she held a noncommissioned status, and she remained in this designation until 1960. At that time, she was struck from the Navy Registry and sold for scrapping.

Asbestos Hazards on the USS Hoe

The Navy took the performance of vessels and the safety of sailors very seriously, and made sure that there were plenty of safeguards in place to prevent danger. Many ships had the misfortune of accidents, mishaps, and onboard surprises that had the potential to cause loss of life. In some cases, accidents resulted in onboard fires. Asbestos is a toxic mineral commonly used in the construction of submarines because it is naturally resistant to heat and fire. It was also used in insulation during the mid-20th century and was found in almost every kind of construction. It was lightweight, flexible, easily available, and fairly inexpensive. As an excellent retardant against heat and flame, it was ideal for the small spaces on ships where there was a constant threat of fire. However, if the protective sealant around the asbestos became worn or damaged due to numerous depth charge explosions, repeated diving, overhauls or daily operations, tiny asbestos fibers may have escaped and become airborne. Within the confined environment of a ship, the fibers could have been inhaled or swallowed by anyone, causing inflammation or infection overtime. It is now known that such long term irritation can cause serious diseases and even malignancies. If you worked on the USS Hoe or served aboard the vessel and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may wish to learn more. Click here to receive a complimentary informational packet.

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