USN
Gato Class Submarine
April 30, 1942
Ship
History
The first submarine built on the Great Lakes for the US Navy by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Manitowic, Wisconson. Its keel was laid on June 18, 1941. It was launched under great fanfare and coverage on April 30, 1942. Commissioned November 21, 1942.
Peter Ording adds:
"The film footage of this submarine launching
is routinely seen on television any time you see a WWII sub
being side launched. The big counterweight in the background is
a drawbridge style railroad bridge still here today but not used.
I think the ship behind the bridge may be one of the minesweepers
built here. (It's definitely not a freighter)
