U.S. submarine returns from Pacific patrol

Photograph of two United States Navy servicemen standing on an ice-covered submarine at an unidentified Arctic port, circa 1943-1945. The Japanese flags painted on the hull indicate that the sub has sunk three warships and two merchantman ships. A broom is attached to the periscope, indicating a "clean sweep" of all enemy vessels encountered.

Typed caption glued to verso: "U.S. submarine returns from Pacific patrol. An American flag flies from the ice-coated conning tower of a U.S. Navy submarine as it comes into an Arctic port after a campaign against enemy shipping in the Pacific. Japanese flags indicate that the submarine has sunk three enemy warships and two merchantmen. The broom attached to a periscope is the crew's symbol of a 'clean sweep' of all enemy vessels encountered. 13425-FN. Approved by appropriate U.S. authority."