USS D-2 (SS-18)
"D-2" joined the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet as Flagboat for Submarine Division 3 (SubDiv 3). Along the United States East Coast, "D-2" joined in diving, torpedo, and experimental exercises. She participated in the Presidential Review of the Fleet in the North River at New York City from 5 to 18 May 1915. While patrolling outside Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, just three nautical miles east of Point Judith shortly before 14:00 on 7 October 1916, "D-2" discovered the Imperial German Navy submarine under the command of Hans Rose heading towards Newport, Rhode Island, as part of her hitherto unprecedented two-way traversal of the Atlantic Ocean without refueling or resupply. The United States was still neutral in World War I, but there was an initial flurry of activity when "U-53" suddenly steamed away to port believing the submerged "D-2" to be a British submarine, but when "D-2" surfaced so that a crewman could run aft to raise the United States flag, "U-53" slowed. Lieutenant G. C. Fulker, USN, commanding officer of "D-2", brought his submarine up close to "U-53" on a parallel course to escort "U-53" while in sight of land. As the submarines reached the Brenton Reef Lightship, Rose requested permission from "D-2" to enter port at Newport. Fulker granted it, and Rose called back by megaphone, "I salute our American comrades and follow in your wake. "
After the United States entered World War I on the side of the Allies on 6 April 1917, "D-2" served in training and experimental work at New London, Connecticut. On 31 July 1917 or 1 August 1917 she sank Schooner Charlotte W. Miller in a collision near Bartletts Reef near New London, Connecticut. Miller was later raised but declared a total loss. On 14 September 1917 she sank at pierside with all hands aboard, although her entire crew was rescued. She was refloated, repaired, and returned to service. "D-2" was placed in commission, in reserve, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 9 September 1919 and placed in ordinary on 15 July 1921. She was decommissioned on 18 January 1922 and sold as a hulk on 25 September 1922.
Service history
USS "D-2" (SS-18) was a D-class submarine of the United States Navy.