USS Seahorse (SS-304)

USS Seahorse (SS-304), a Balao-class submarine, was the first submarine and second ship of the United States Navy to be named for the seahorse, a small fish whose head and the fore part of its body suggest the head and neck of a horse.

Fifth and sixth war patrols, June – October 1944

Seahorse put to sea for her fifth war patrol on 11 June 1944, patrolling between Formosa and Luzon. On the morning of 27 June, she sank the tanker, Medan Maru, and damaged two other enemy vessels; and, on 3 July, sank the cargo ship, Nitto Maru, and the passenger-cargo ship, Gyoyu Maru. The following day, the submarine expended the last of her torpedoes sinking the cargo ship, Kyodo Maru No. 28, and returned to Pearl Harbor on 19 July.

Related Topics:
11 June - 1944 - Formosa - Luzon - 27 June - 3 July - 19 July

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Seahorse spent the first part of her sixth war patrol supporting the capture of the Palaus and then headed for the Luzon Strait. Despite intensive efforts, the submarine could locate only one worthwhile target, Coast Defense Vessel No. 21, a frigate of 800 tons, which she sank. Five days later, Seahorse took up lifeguard station for the carrier airstrike on northern Luzon and then returned to Midway on 18 October.

Related Topics:
Luzon Strait - Frigate - 18 October

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