The American Gato-class refers to a class of submarines used by the United States Navy during World War II. Designed for long-range missions, these submarines were known for their effective torpedo capabilities and robust construction. The Gato-class played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, contributing to the naval strategy against Japan. A total of 77 Gato-class submarines were built, with the first commissioned in 1941. They were named after various species of fish, with the lead submarine being the USS Gato. The class served as a foundation for later submarine designs, influencing the development of subsequent classes like the Balao-class and Tench-class.