Remarkable Discovery: Sunken WWI Submarine USS F-1 Uncovered off California Coast
Submerged Warship from World War I U-boat Discovered
A research team from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has unearthed a significant historical find - the wreck of the USS F-1, a U.S. Navy submarine, which sank during World War I off the coast of California. The team used cutting-edge deep-sea imaging technology to capture captivating images of the long-lost submarine.
The USS F-1, built in 1912, measured approximately 144 feet (44 meters) in length and was powered by diesel engines on the surface and electric motors and batteries when submerged. It was part of the First Submarine Group, Pacific Torpedo Flotilla, conducting patrol and training missions off the California coast. Tragedy struck on December 17, 1917, during a training exercise off San Diego when the USS F-1 collided with its sister ship, the USS F-3. The collision caused rapid flooding, leading to the submarine sinking in a mere 10 seconds, with only five of its 24 crew members rescued. In the 1970s, the wreck was briefly located, but its depth prevented exploration.
The researchers, led by Bruce Strickrott from WHOI, finally revisited the submarine wreck in early 2025 using the human-occupied research submersible Alvin and an autonomous underwater vehicle named Sentry. Strickrott stated, “After identifying the wreck and confirming it was safe to dive, we were able to capture unique, never-before-seen images of the submarine.”
The underwater photographs reveal the USS F-1 lying on its starboard side, with its bow pointing northwest. Despite spending 108 years underwater, the propellers and details of its tower are surprisingly well-preserved. The team has mapped the wreck and its surroundings, amassing numerous close-up images, sonar measurements, and videos. They have also created 3D models using photogrammetry.
While experimental submarines had existed for over 150 years, they did not have a significant military impact until late in World War I and especially during World War II. The pioneering USS F-1, characterized by tight quarters, limited submerged endurance, and restricted communication, still set early diving records.
To pay tribute to the deceased crew members, a memorial ceremony was held on the deck of the escort ship. Nineteen times, the ship’s bell was rung—once for each of the fallen sailors, whose names were read aloud. Underwater archaeologist Brad Krueger from the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) noted, “The Navy has the solemn duty to ensure that the memory of its lost sailors is preserved.”
Visit our website or follow us on social media for more exciting updates on this and other historical discoveries.
- The community policy regarding historical artifacts, such as the USS F-1, should prioritize their preservation and study to ensure their educational value is maximized for future generations.
- Given the role of science in the discovery and exploration of the USS F-1, it is essential to provide vocational training in environmental-science, climate-change, space-and-astronomy, data-and-cloud-computing, and technology to inspire the next generation of researchers.
- As the USS F-1 greatly contributed to the development of early submarine technology, schools offering vocational training in engineering and naval architecture will benefit from including its design, construction, and sinking incident in their curriculum to foster student interest in maritime history.
