Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:33:41-2:34:21

Were Argonaut, Narwhal, and Nautilus cruiser submarines?

Their range and surface speed support a broad cruiser-submarine label, while their exposed 6-inch guns served quicker attacks on targets.

Cruiser SubmarinesFleet SubmarinesNaval GunneryUSS ArgonautUSS NarwhalUSS Nautilus
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Question

Should Argonaut, Narwhal, and Nautilus be classified as cruiser submarines?

Short answer

They were fleet submarines, though cruiser submarine also fits their cruising range and surface speed; the guns were not intended for pitched surface battles.

Notes

Argonaut, Narwhal, and Nautilus were fleet submarines. The cruiser-submarine label also fits in the sense of long cruising range and surface speed. Their 6-inch guns are recalled as a way to sink targets more quickly. Open mounts without gun shields did not equip them for a pitched surface gun battle.