The USS Cavalla (SS-244) was a Gato-class submarine that played a significant role in World War II as part of the United States Navy's submarine fleet. • The USS Cavalla is best known for its role in the sinking of the Japanese aircraft carrier IJN Shokaku during the Battle of the Philippine Sea on June 19, 1944. The submarine fired six torpedoes, and at least one hit the Shokaku, contributing to the carrier's eventual sinking.