Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
As the war progressed, US submarine skippers pressed the Navy Brass to develop more powerful deck guns to destroy ships encountered on patrol. The 3in and 4 inch guns were inadequate and were considered “pea shooters” by the crews. The Navy developed the 5 inch 25 caliber gun. They were extremely successful during the war. Credited with sinking around 20% of the Japanese merchant ships sunk by submarines. Deck guns help save the torpedoes for high value targets.
As the war progressed, US submarine skippers pressed the Navy Brass to develop more powerful deck guns to destroy ships encountered on patrol. The 3in and 4 inch guns were inadequate and were considered “pea shooters” by the crews. The Navy developed the 5 inch 25 caliber gun. They were extremely successful during the war. Credited with sinking around 20% of the Japanese merchant ships sunk by submarines. Deck guns help save the torpedoes for high value targets.
