The Seal or G-1, was the first of 33 submarines that were built for the United States Navy at Bridgeport or in California at California Shipbuilding & Dry-dock, including numerous auxiliary vessels built for the U.S. Shipping Board at Housatonic Shipbuilding.

   “The Seal, a “G” series U.S. Submarine was the first contract the Lake Company was able to secure from the U. S. Government and the requirements were probably the most severe ever required of any shipbuilder.
   The Company did not receive any payment on account during her construction and her required performances had never been approached by any other submarine in this country or abroad.

  In addition to the usual fixed torpedo tubes arranged in the-bow of the vessel which requires the vessel herself to be trained, the (SEAL) “G—1” carries four torpedo tubes on her deck which may be trained while the vessel is submerged in the same manner as a deck gun on a surface vessel is trained and thus fire to either broadside which gives many tactical advantages.

   She was submerged to a depth of 256 feet, a world’s record, and exceeded her contract requirements and proved beyond question the capability of the Lake Type in meeting any requirement that submarines might be called upon to perform.” (extract from Lake Company booklet).
   The G-1 design had been approved by early 1909 and the keel was laid on 2-2-09. The completed vessel was christened by Simon Lake’s daughter, Margaret,  and launched Feb. 8, 1911. She was commissioned on 10-28-12 and was commanded by LT Kenneth Whiting until 3-6-20.
   The success of the G1 led to five additional submarine boats contracts with the U. S. Government, including the G-2 (The Tuna) and the G-3 ( The Turbot).