Discovered Submarine From World War I, Lying beneath the Waves
USS F-1: World War I Submarine Discovered Off California Coast
In a groundbreaking discovery, a research team from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has unearthed the remnants of the USS F-1, a World War I-era U.S. Navy submarine, off the coast of San Diego, California. Using advanced deep-sea imaging technology, they have captured mesmerizing images of the submarine that has been hidden beneath the waves for over a century.
The USS F-1, constructed in 1912, spanned approximately 44 meters and was propelled by diesel engines on the surface and electric motors and batteries when submerged. From 1916, it patrolled and trained off the California coast. According to the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association, it sank eight days before Christmas in 1917 following a collision with its sister ship, the USS F-3, during an exercise off the coast of San Diego. Only five of the 24 crew members were rescued, and the submarine was lost. Although it was briefly located in the 1970s, its depth of 400 meters precluded exploration at that time, and the USS F-1 was largely forgotten.
Intact Submarine Wreck
It wasn't until early 2025 that Bruce Strickrott of WHOI and his team managed to locate and visit the submarine wreck using the manned research submersible Alvin and an autonomous underwater vehicle named Sentry. "Once we identified the wreck and deemed it safe to dive, we were able to capture unique, never-before-seen images of the submarine," Strickrott reported.
The underwater images reveal that the USS F-1 lies on its starboard side with its bow pointing northwest, and remarkably, it remains largely intact despite spending 108 years on the ocean floor. Even the propellers and details of its tower are well-preserved. The team has mapped the submarine wreck and its surroundings using numerous close-up images, sonar measurements, and videos, and they have also created 3D models using photogrammetry.
Early Submarine History
While experimental submarines had existed for over 150 years, including the USS Hunley, which sank during the U.S. Civil War, they did not have a significant military impact until late in World War I and especially during World War II.
Honoring Fallen Submariners
"Although these depths were no challenge for Alvin and Sentry, they still demanded special expertise and equipment," explained Ana Michel of the National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF). Additionally, the team was mindful that this submarine wreck serves as the final resting place of 19 men. "We were very cautious in exploring this historical site. We aimed to share these captivating images while also paying our respects to the deceased," Michel said.
To commemorate the fallen submarine sailors, a memorial ceremony was held on the deck of the escort ship. The ship's bell tolled 19 times - once for each casualty, whose names were read aloud. "History and archaeology are all about people," emphasized underwater archaeologist Brad Krueger of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC). It was his first dive at a historic wreck site. "The Navy has the solemn duty to ensure that the memory of its lost sailors is preserved."
- The groundbreaking discovery of the USS F-1 has fueled the interest of environmental-science students studying climate-change and its impact on ocean life.
- Authorities have incorporated the community policy regarding the handling of historical submarine wrecks, ensuring respect for the environment and conservation of the site.
- Vocational training in science, technology, and cybersecurity is being promoted within the community, inspiring the next generation to engage in lifestyle choices that prioritize sustainable-living and data-and-cloud-computing solutions.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts are intrigued by the weather-forecasting technologies used during the USS F-1's exploration, hoping to adopt similar gadgets for their gardening needs.
- As a nod to the USS F-1's historical significance, businesses offering education-and-self-development courses have incorporated the submarine wreck into their personal-growth and career-development modules.
- The news of the USS F-1 discovery has also captured the attention of racing fans, evoking fond memories of horse-racing and weather-forecasting tools used to anticipate race day conditions.
- Technology companies have announced plans to use the data collected from the USS F-1's expedition to improve their space-and-astronomy research, aiming to uncover new insights about the universe.
- The lifeless submarine lies beneath the waves, a grim reminder of the importance of learning from history to prepare for a safer future.
- Lifelong learning opportunities have been created for those interested in diving, as WHOI and NDSF have organized programs for beginners to explore underwater worlds, much like the USS F-1.
- Recreational clubs promoting sports and activities, such as scuba diving and sailing, have expressed interest in collaborating with WHOI to organize events around historical sites like the USS F-1 to educate participants about maritime history and encourage environmental conservation efforts.
