Strike of the Sailfish

Stephen L. Moore's "Strike of the Sailfish" delivers a meticulously researched account of one of the Pacific War's most significant yet lesser-known naval engagements. The book centers on the USS Sailfish and USS Scamp, two American submarines that played crucial roles in the sinking of the Japanese aircraft carrier Chuyo in December 1943. Moore, an established naval historian with numerous works on World War II maritime operations, brings his characteristic attention to detail and narrative skill to this compelling story of undersea warfare.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the submarine war in the Pacific, where American boats faced numerous challenges including faulty torpedoes, aggressive Japanese anti-submarine warfare, and the constant danger of operating in enemy-controlled waters. Moore effectively contextualizes the Sailfish's mission within the broader strategic situation of late 1943, when the tide of the Pacific War was beginning to turn in favor of the Allies. The author demonstrates how submarine operations contributed significantly to the eventual defeat of Japan by disrupting supply lines and eliminating valuable naval assets.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of the Sailfish's unique history. Originally commissioned as the USS Squalus, the submarine sank during test dives off the New Hampshire coast in 1939, resulting in the loss of 26 crew members. After a remarkable salvage operation, the vessel was recommissioned as the Sailfish, carrying with it the weight of its tragic past. Moore handles this backstory with sensitivity while showing how the submarine's resurrection added layers of meaning to its later wartime service. This historical thread provides emotional depth without overwhelming the primary narrative.

The author's research is evident throughout the work, drawing from patrol reports, deck logs, war diaries, and interviews with surviving crew members. Moore reconstructs the events leading up to the attack on the Chuyo with precision, detailing the submarine's patrol patterns, the challenges of tracking targets, and the split-second decisions required in combat situations. The technical aspects of submarine warfare are explained clearly enough for general readers while maintaining sufficient detail to satisfy naval history enthusiasts.

The sinking of the Chuyo carries particular historical significance beyond the loss of a capital ship. The carrier was transporting Allied prisoners of war, a fact unknown to the Sailfish's crew at the time of the attack. Moore addresses this tragic dimension with appropriate gravity, acknowledging the complexity of wartime decisions and the fog of war that prevented American submariners from knowing the full consequences of their actions. This aspect of the story raises important questions about the nature of naval warfare and the impossible situations combat personnel often faced.

Moore also dedicates substantial attention to the USS Scamp, the sister submarine mentioned in the title. While the Sailfish delivered the fatal blows to the Chuyo, the Scamp operated in the same waters and faced similar dangers. By examining both submarines, the author provides a more complete picture of American submarine operations in the region during this period. The parallel stories illustrate the coordinated nature of submarine warfare and the reliance on multiple vessels working toward common objectives.

The pacing of the narrative maintains reader engagement throughout, balancing technical information with human interest elements. Moore introduces the key officers and crew members, providing enough biographical detail to help readers connect with the individuals involved without allowing the book to become a collection of character sketches. The submariners emerge as professional, dedicated sailors performing extraordinarily dangerous work under extreme conditions.

The book benefits from Moore's ability to place tactical actions within their strategic context. Readers gain understanding not just of how the attack unfolded, but why it mattered to the broader Pacific campaign. The author explains the Japanese Navy's increasingly desperate situation by late 1943 and how the loss of carriers and experienced pilots continued to erode Japan's ability to project naval air power.

"Strike of the Sailfish" represents solid naval history that makes specialized subject matter accessible to a broad audience. Moore's straightforward prose and logical organization help readers navigate the complexities of submarine warfare without oversimplification. The book serves as both a tribute to the submariners who served aboard these vessels and a factual account of an important naval engagement. For readers interested in World War II naval history, submarine warfare, or the Pacific theater, this work offers valuable insights into an often-overlooked aspect of the war at sea.