The USS Growler (SS-215) was a Gato-class submarine of the United States Navy, notable for its active service during World War II. Constructed by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut, her keel was laid down prior to her launch on November 2, 1941. She was sponsored by Mrs. Lucile E. Ghormley and commissioned on March 20, 1942, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Howard W. Gilmore. Growler's initial war patrol commenced on June 29, 1942, operating around Dutch Harbor, Alaska. During this patrol, she successfully engaged Japanese destroyers, sinking the Arare and damaging Kasumi and Shiranui. Her second patrol, starting August 5, 1942, near Taiwan, proved highly successful, sinking several enemy vessels including Eifuku Maru, Kashino, and Taika Maru. The submarine underwent refitting, including new radar and a 20 mm gun, before resuming patrols in the Solomon Islands and Truk-Rabaul shipping lanes. A significant event in her service occurred during her third patrol in February 1943, when Commander Gilmore was fatally wounded in a ramming attack on the Japanese vessel Hayasaki. Gilmore's heroic last actions earned him the Medal of Honor. Despite sustaining damage, Growler returned to Brisbane for repairs and was nicknamed the "Kangaroo Express" after her refit. Throughout her service, Growler sank multiple enemy vessels, including the destroyer Shikinami and the frigate Hirado, and participated in daring operations rescuing Allied prisoners. Her final, eleventh patrol began in October 1944, during which she engaged a convoy but was lost with all hands on November 8, 1944, likely due to a Japanese depth charge or destroyer action. Her loss marked the end of her distinguished career, making her one of the many wartime submarines whose patrols and sacrifices remain significant in naval history.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.