Throughout World War 2, the role submarines played was an important one. Disrupting shipping, attacking enemy ships, and rescuing downed pilots were a few of the critical roles submarines played during the war.
The Balao-class submarine for the U.S. Navy was the largest class of submarines and the most effective. With this in mind, let’s look at every crew position on these mighty war machines and what role each performed.
Commanding Officer
The most senior person on a World War 2 Balao-class submarine was the Commanding Officer. Also known as the CO, this person was responsible for all crew on board. A commanding officer has the highest authority on a submarine and makes all attack decisions. Additionally, the CO is responsible for the safety of the crew including crew readiness.
Executive Officer
Second in command to the Commanding Officer, an Executive Officer takes over when the CO needs a break. The EO has similar responsibilities as the CO in that they will supervise the submarine’s crew, handle disciplinary actions, and assign crew duties as necessary.
Engineering Officer
As someone has to be responsible for all equipment on board a submarine, it falls on the Engineering Officer. The most important aspect of this role is ensuring all of the engines and generators are working. This means working with the enlisted crew members to regularly check oil, fuel, and water levels. If any repairs are needed on the sub, the Engineering Officer will coordinate.
Communications Officer
The title suggests the job but the Communications Officer is who the CO relies on for all communication. This would include receiving orders from naval command, which relied heavily on encoding and decoding transmissions. The Communications Officer oversees enlisted men to ensure radio communications are always in working order.
Navigation Officer
The role of the Navigation Officer is essentially the person responsible for navigating the path of the submarine. Knowing the sub’s position in relation to a target or enemy territory is the primary role of the navigation officer. This crew member is also responsible for plotting the course to a target or destination.
Torpedo Officer
The job of a Torpedo Officer is exactly as it sounds. This department head would make sure the entire torpedo system was always ready to perform. A Torpedo Officer would make sure the torpedo tubes were loaded, aimed, and ready to fire on the Commanding Officer’s notice.
Chief of the Boat
Often going as COB, the Chief of the Boat is generally the most senior enlisted crew member on board a Balao-class submarine. They are responsible for all crew training, discipline, and morale building. The COB works hand-in-hand with the CO to discuss any matters affecting the crew on board.
Sonar Operator
The Sonar Operator is immediately responsible for knowing every surface and subsurface contact near the submarine. Once the Sonar Operator identifies a potential target, they must determine if it is a friend or foe and alert the CO and EO about the contact.
Yeoman
If you’re a Yeoman on a Balao-class submarine, you are going to handle any correspondence. This means you are likely the person using any typewriters on board to write messages. A Yeoman will also help with any encrypting or decrypting of communication.
Quartermaster
Working with the Navigation Officer, the Quartermaster helps navigate the submarine. Using known mapped oceans, the Quartermaster needs to be aware of water depth and any potential hazards.
Torpedo Men
Enlisted crew on board were responsible for all torpedo area maintenance. Because torpedos are a submarine’s primary weapon, the role of Torpedo Men was critical, which is why they would conduct frequent inspections.
Machinist’s Mates
Onboard a Balao-class submarine, the Machinist’s Mates were responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Machinist’s Mates would work with the Engineering Officer and supervise the engine room.
Gunner’s Mates
The secondary weapon on board a submarine, the deck gun, is the responsibility of the Gunner’s Mates. If a submarine were to surface and engage an enemy above the waterline, the Gunner’s Mates would handle these weapons including loading ammunition.
Electricians Mates
Another role that works closely with the Engineering Officer is the Electrician’s Mates. These enlisted men will ensure all submarine systems are working. This includes equipment with motors, lighting, and generators that help drive the ship’s propulsion system.
Fire Control Technicians
The Fire Control Technician helps operate the fire control system, part of the main weapon for a submarine. The Fire Control Tech was responsible for the testing and maintenance of all combat systems including rangefinder equipment and optic equipment used to visually identify targets.
Radiomen
To communicate with other Allied ships, including other submarines, a Radiomen was on board every Balao-class submarine. This role was a specialist in knowing Morse code as well as any onboard encryption devices.
Shipfitters
Should a Balao-class submarine take any damage while in combat, it was the job of a Shipfitter to repair it. If there was any damage, the Shipfitter would have to solve issues with ventilation, piping, and valves quickly. This role could also include any hull repair work depending on damage levels.
Pharmacists Mates
Whether called up after a battle or just general injuries, a Pharmacist’s Mates were the medical personnel onboard Balao-class submarines. Their role was to triage any injuries and provide immediate medical care.
Seamen
Often the first role of any enlisted crewman was that of a Seamen. This job was a mish-mosh of duties depending on the needs of the ship. Seamen were responsible for standing watch as a submarine was getting underway or while coming into a port. Seamen would assist with any damage control and perform maintenance as instructed by senior officers.
Steward’s Mates
As part of a Balao-class submarine crew, the Steward’s Mates were responsible for all meals on board. A typical submarine would store food in every available space as storage was limited. A Steward’s Mate was also responsible for all crew laundry. Because of cramped quarters on board, the U.S. Navy made sure submariners had the best food including an ice cream locker.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz/Shutterstock.com.
