6. Charles Lockwood reshaped the submarine force
In May, 1942, Rear Admiral Robert English was assigned as Commander, Submarine Forces, Pacific (COMSUBPAC). That same month Rear Admiral Charles Lockwood took command of American submarine forces in the southwest Pacific as COMSUBSOWESPAC. Both officers worked to resolve the numerous problems with the Mark 14 torpedo, with English making several trips to encounter the recalcitrant Bureau of Ordnance in Washington. On January 21, 1943, English died in a plane crash in California, along with several other naval officers. Nimitz requested Lockwood to replace him as COMSUBPAC.
In Lockwood, the submarine commanders and their crews found an advocate for improved weapons, operating conditions, food and supplies, and rest and recreation. Though he never solved the torpedo shortage problem, which continued through the rest of the war, he led the efforts to make the Mark 14 reliable. Lockwood evaluated each submarine skipper in command at the time, reviewing their patrol reports, He replaced those he considered less aggressive than the situation required. He actively recruited young officers to volunteer for submarine duty and training, shaping an officer corps better suited to the improved boats and weapons entering the fleet. He remained in his post of COMSUBPAC for the duration of the war.