The USS Tang (SS-306), led by Commander Richard H. O'Kane, was a Gato-class submarine active during World War II. On a patrol in the Formosa Strait, the Tang engaged with Japanese shipping routes aimed at disrupting supply lines. On this occasion, it fired a torpedo at a convoy but missed its intended target, leading to a disastrous turn of events. The torpedo, due to a malfunction, circled back and struck the Tang, ultimately resulting in the submarine's sinking. O'Kane and a handful of crew members survived, but the loss of 78 sailors was a significant blow to the submarine force. The sinking of the Tang highlighted the risks associated with submarine warfare and the reliance on technology that could fail in critical moments.

After the event, the U.S. Navy investigated the incident to understand the failures of the torpedo, which were not uncommon during the war. The Mark XIV torpedo, which the Tang used, was plagued by issues that led to complications in combat that were often fatal. Legislative actions to improve military technology stemmed from the analysis of incidents such as this, showcasing the need for enhanced reliability in torpedo design. The tragic loss of the Tang submarine underscored the inherent dangers faced by submariners, who often had to navigate enemy waters and endure mechanical failures in extreme conditions.

The incident also served as a poignant reminder of the cost of war, particularly in terms of human life. Commander O'Kane’s survival and subsequent sharing of his experiences contributed to naval tactics and submarine warfare training, ensuring such incidents would better be managed in the future. The event reinforced the importance of mechanical integrity and crew preparedness in naval operations, especially in stealthy underwater environments.