What do tortillas and submarines have in common? Neither can function properly without the right structure, which is an odd but surprisingly fitting metaphor for USS R-17, a lesser-known yet significant part of naval history. Built in a time of change and uncertainty, R-17 was a part of the United States Navy during the rapid technological advancements of the early 20th century. Developed during World War I, this submarine was a testament to American engineering prowess of that era. Stationed primarily in tropical climates, it served as a symbol of strategic maritime power, though it often remained in the background compared to its more illustrious counterparts.
Constructed by the Fore River Shipbuilding Company in Quincy, Massachusetts, the USS R-17 was launched in 1917 and commissioned in 1918. For a submarine, R-17 seemed straightforward, even modest, lacking the grandeur of battleships and cruisers. Its role was both critical and risky, patrolling the unknown depths to watch and potentially engage enemy vessels. The ocean is vast and indifferent, and the bravery of those who manned submarines like R-17 should be appreciated for their fearlessness and technical skill.
Socially, the USS R-17 occupied an intriguing space during its service. The time was marked by global shifts, both politically and technologically. War had reshaped borders and economies, while technology was redefining life itself. Submarines like R-17 were tools of diplomacy and defense, despite the fact that the world was weary after the Great War. Yet, not everyone viewed such military advancements positively. There was skepticism about mechanized warfare and its implications. Such skepticism, even today, reminds us of the delicate balance required between innovation and ethics.
Operational in the Atlantic and eventually transferred to Pearl Harbor in 1919, R-17's journey was emblematic of the US Navy's expanding reach. Hawaii became its home until its decommissioning in 1923. This shift to the Pacific hinted at changing geopolitics, pointing to the future importance of this region. The R-17 served in the warm waters of the Pacific, a strategic choice speaking to growing tensions in Asia and the Pacific theater. It was the precursor to shifting military strategies that future generations would see play out in stark relief during World War II.
The crew of the R-17, much like other submarine crews of the time, faced grueling conditions. Submarine duty was particularly demanding due to the cramped conditions, punishing heat, and high levels of stress. These sailors were pioneers in underwater warfare. Their lives on board were far from glamorous but filled with a camaraderie forged in the deep. In many ways, they challenged the status quo of naval warfare, leveraging stealth and surprise as vital elements of modern military strategy.
Today, the story of USS R-17 isn't widely taught, yet it embodies a vital piece of military and human history. Some may argue that such vessels represent the unpleasant facets of warfare; an era of growing militarization that is best left in the past. Others view submarines such as R-17 as necessary evolutions of national defense, protecting nations from greater harm. These differing perspectives remind us that history is a mosaic of stories and ideologies, challenging us to reflect critically on our past.
There’s something uniquely intriguing about the invisible life of submarines, lurking beneath the waves, out of sight but never out of mind. Generations have witnessed the evolution of underwater vessels from simple torpedo boats to nuclear-powered giants. Each step forward has been intertwined with questions about the role of the military in society, the ethical implications of war technology, and ultimately, our responsibility to strive for peace. The USS R-17 sits quietly within this narrative—not as an anomaly, but as a building block in understanding how nations grapple with security challenges.
R-17’s narrative lingers as a reminder of the people and minds behind technological advancements, where necessity and innovation collide. As we ponder where technological and ethical lines meet in modern warfare, it’s worth considering the lessons of compassion and pragmatism embedded in stories like that of the USS R-17.
Young people today are often caught between awe and skepticism about technological prowess in warfare. Our generation, Gen Z, inevitably forms opinions on such historical narratives, shaping how we view modern military discourse. As advocates of social justice and diplomacy, we are in a position to rethink what progress means. Understanding elements like the USS R-17 helps frame our discourse, reminding us of the complexity of history and the ongoing struggle between power and peace.