During World War II, the Gato course, and its own successor, the Balao class, carried much of the responsibility of this submarine war in Pacific. These brand new fleet submarines were effective ships that became fast, strong, well armed, and suited to the long-range patrols essential to fight within the Pacific. They waged war up against the Axis abilities, amassing a record of devastation and sheer killing power that was unrivaled by every other land or ocean attack platform. These new fleet submarines enabled the Navy to shift its submarine doctrine from coastal protection to start ocean attacks on enemy warships and convoys critical to enemy logistical help. This doctrine of forward existence and strike warfare by the submarine remains today. .
