Guavina (AGSS-362), refueling a P5M Marlin flying
boat off Norfolk, VA. in 1955.
Prior to World War II several submarines were
fitted to refuel seaplanes. During the war, Germany and Japan used this
technique with some success. After the war this technique was experimented with
within the US Navy. It was planned to use submarines to refuel the new jet
powered P6M flying boats. As part of this program Guavina was
converted to carry 160,000 gallons for aviation fuel. To do this blisters were
added to her sides and two stern torpedo tubes were removed. When the P6M
project was canceled, there was no further need for submarine tankers. This
concept was never used operationally in the US Navy.
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