Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-03
Submarines to Get More Safety Devices
AS Result of Studies After 81 Sinking

As a result of studies made by the
Navy Department following the sinking
of the S-4 of the coast of MaSsachu-
netts on December II, 1927, additional
safety devices are to be installed on
submarines, according to testimony be-
fore the House appropriations COM
fnittee while the Navy appropriation
hill now before the House was being
drafted.
Rear Admiral J. D. Beuret, chief of
tie Bureau of Construction and Repair,
explained the plans Of the department,
which has already adopted the policy OF
supplying submarine rescue vessel in
each area Of submarine operations, with
the Falcon assigned to the submarines
operating on the Atlantic Coast and
the Widgeon assigned to the submarines
operating of the Hawaiian Islands.
The plans as discussed by Admiral
Beuret, as a result of S-4 studies. are
Independent of the tests recently made
off the coast of New London, though
both Investigations had in view pro-
viding officers and men qp the undersea
boats with the maximum protection
possible.
Desirability Proved.
The desirability of some improve
YnGpts IN the fittings of these rescue
craft was proved during the S-4 salvage
operations. The Ortolan has been fitted
up as a rescue ship for submarines with
submarines operating off the Canal
Zone. The Pigeon Is being converted
for a rescue boat with the ASiatic fleet.
1t has been doing service as gunboat
on Chinese rivers while the Navy De-
partment has been waiting for the COM
pletion of the six special river gunboats.
Admiral Beuret explained that each
submarine rescue vessel is to be pro-
vided with a set OF salvage pontoonS,
being SUFFICIENT to raise one of the S
boats when completely flooded.
In each area, at convenient sta
ton, there will be an additional supply
of hose and other salvage equipment In
excess of the quantity that can be car
sled on each rescue vessel.
The pontoons and reserve salvage
equipment and apparatus for use with
the Falcon have been placed at New
York; those for the Panama Canal area
will be placed at the submarine base
at Coco Solo; those for the Pacific
Coast submarines placed at San Diego;
those for the Widgeon at the Pearl
Harbor Naval Station, and those for the
Asiatic fleet will be sent to Cavite
Only one set of pontoons is available
at the present time, due to shortag" OF
funds, but the four other sets are be-
ing assembled as fast as the funds be-
come available. The Navy Department,
has tentatively set aside the sum OF
100000 in next years budget for SUBJ
marine safety work and experiments.
Seven hundred of the escape appar-
atus recently tested by the salvaged So
have been ordered by the Navy Depart
ment, which expects to place Other
orders later BY the time the initia
order has been filled further report:
will be available from the S-4 to show
whether any additional changes may
be needed.
The department will install individual
compartment air supply valves on al
submarines in commission. Tests hav.
been conductGs, on the S-29, which i
the first vessel so fitted. A releasabl'
marker buoy for submarines is being de
signed and as soon as sample buoy
have been manufactured an expert
mental installation will be made OF
q submarine In service. These buoy