Melissa Buchanan, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
USS Clamagore (SS 343)
Mount Pleasant, SC
Designated an NHL: June 29, 1989
Designation withdrawn: September 2, 2024
The USS Clamagore (SS343) was commissioned June 28, 1945, and decommissioned June 12, 1975. Built in 1945, the Balao class submarine USS Clamagore was one of 132 Gato, Balao, and Tench class submarines built during World War II.
Clamagore was a typical World War II “fleet boat” built as part of a major submarine construction program that followed the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The submarine warfare pursued by the United States and supported by this construction program was instrumental in securing an American victory in the Pacific.
In 1947, the US Navy modified the Clamagore into a FRAM II (Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization) submarine. In 1962, it was again modified to become a GUPPY III (Greater Underwater Propulsive Project) submarine. Clamagore was one of only nine submarines converted to a GUPPY III and the only surviving GUPPY Type III submarine in the United States.
Through media reports, the NHL Program became aware of plans to dispose of the vessel, which suffered from severe hull wasting. NPS confirmed disposal plans with staff of Patriots Point Naval and Military Museum, where the vessel was berthed following decommissioning. On October 14, 2022, the vessel was towed to Norfolk, VA, for the final stage of the scrapping process.
The June 29, 1989, Landmark designation of former USS Clamagore was withdrawn on September 2, 2024, because it had ceased to meet the criteria for designation.
Last updated: December 18, 2024