The Russian Sub Museum Portrait of Rear Admiral Allan R. McCann

Rear Admiral Allan R. McCann

Rear Admiral Allan R. McCann played a major role in submarine rescue by developing the diving bell that helped rescue 33 crewmen from the USS Squalus (SS-192) in May 1939, when she sank in 240 feet of water off Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Along with Vice Admiral Momsen, McCann received a commendation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his efforts in the rescue.

Born in North Adams, Massachusetts in 1896, McCann graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1917 and from the recently instituted U.S. Navy Submarine School in 1919. Between May 1920 and June 1924 he commanded the submarines USS K-6, USS N-4, and USS L-3.

From July 1929 to July 1931, he was assigned to the Maintenance Division, Bureau of Construction and Repair, where he developed the submarine rescue chamber. Development of the diving bell was spurred on by controversy following the sinking of the submarine S-4 in December 1927. Six crewmen survived for three days in the torpedo room, but the Navy had no means of rescuing them. Following this, he commanded the submarine USS Bonita (SS-165) and Submarine Squadron 7 during World War II. He received the Legion of Merit for this tour. He died in 1967.

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Last Updated:
2/8/03