USS S-36 (SS-141)

S-36 was an S-18 class submarine completed in April of 1923 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding in San Francisco.

S-36 began her second patrol on 30 December, 1941 from Mariveles. She claimed the sinking of a 5,000-ton transport in a daring raid in Calapan Harbor early in this patrol. She was still experiencing many equipment failures. On 15 January, S-36 was attacked by an enemy destroyer which resulted in more problems. On 17 January, she was directed to proceed to Surabaya, Java. En route, she ran aground on the reef on 20 January. This was likely due, at least in part, to the inadequate charts we had of the Western Pacific at that time.

The forward battery compartment flooded and it was feared that the compartment contained chlorine gas. However, upon further investigation, the captain thought the boat still could be salvaged.

Multiple attempts to free the boat were unsuccessful. When a Dutch ship arrived to assist, and the situation had gotten progressively worse, the captain decided it was time to abandon ship and destroy it. The boat was actually scuttled the next day, 21 January. All of the crew were taken safely to Surabaya.

Following initial sea trials, S-36 briefly operated on the U. S. West Coast. In September of 1925, she departed for the Cavite Nay Yard on Luzon in the Philippines. She remained there for the next 16 years as part of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet, conducting exercises and deployments to China and the Dutch East Indies. On 2 December 1941, her planned overhaul was cancelled.

Her first war patrol began on 8 December 1941 and was in the area between Cape Bolinao and San Fernando. Many problems developed including air leaks, steering failures and communications issues. On 16 December, after none of her previous messages had gotten through, S-36 was ordered to Mariveles at the entrance to Manila Bay. There she was able to make repairs and replenish stores before beginning her next patrol.

S-36 was lost on her second war patrol. She was not credited with any sinkings.