* Specifications after 1942 refit.   ** Including external tubes.   *** Including 8-12 torpedoes carried externally.

Submarines SS-167 Narwhal and SS-168 Nautilus have constituted “submarine cruiser” counterparts at least partially inspired by German suc­cess with long-range submarine commerce raiders in World War I. Endurance, sea-keeping, increased torpedo capacity, and large deck guns were emphasized at the cost of high speed. Commissioned in 1930, the submarines emerged as too large and unwieldy for fully suc­ces­sful operation: slow to dive, hard to maneuver, and easy to detect. Early in the war, Narwhal and Nautilus were refitted with new diesels and four additional external torpedo tubes, but due to their age and inherent design flaws, they never actually used during the war in the ca­pa­city for which they were designed, these submarines were employed primarily to deliver supplies to guerillas, and to transport com­man­dos and coast watchers.

SS-168 Nautilus took part in the Battle of Midway as a part of Task Force 7 Midway Patrol Group (Task Group 7.1) and became the only U.S. sub­ma­rine engaged the enemy during the battle, although without a success.