The USS Barracuda, later designated F-2 (SS-21), was an F-class submarine built for the United States Navy. Constructed by Union Iron Works in San Francisco, her keel was laid on August 23, 1909, and she was launched on March 19, 1912. Prior to her launch, she was renamed F-2 on November 17, 1911. She was commissioned into service on June 25, 1912, and was the first US Navy vessel named after the barracuda. F-2 measured approximately 142 feet 7 inches (43.5 meters) in length, with a beam of 15 feet 5 inches (4.7 meters), and a mean draft of 12 feet 2 inches (3.7 meters). She displaced 330 long tons (340 tons) on the surface and 400 long tons (410 tons) when submerged. Her operational diving depth was 200 feet (61 meters). The submarine's crew consisted of one officer and twenty-one enlisted men. Powered for surface operation by two NELSECO diesel engines producing 390 brake horsepower each, F-2 could reach a top speed of 14 knots. When submerged, she was driven by electric motors delivering 310 horsepower, capable of reaching 11.25 knots. Her range was 2,500 nautical miles at 11 knots on the surface, and 100 nautical miles at 5 knots submerged. She was armed with four 18-inch (450 mm) torpedo tubes located at the bow, with no reload torpedoes. F-2's service included operations within the Pacific, particularly in the vicinity of San Diego and San Pedro, out of San Pedro Submarine Base. She played an essential role in developing submarine tactics and integrating undersea craft with fleet operations, notably during extended training exercises in the Hawaiian Islands from August 1914 through November 1915. After a period in reserve and service as a flagboat of Division 1, she participated in various exercises, torpedo testing, and crew training for prospective submarine personnel. She was placed in reserve at San Pedro on September 18, 1919, and continued to serve in training roles until her decommissioning at Mare Island on March 16, 1922. F-2 was sold on August 17, 1922, marking the end of her maritime career.

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