Editing Balao-class submarine (section)

===Fleet Snorkel===
[[File:USS Sabalo;0830204.jpg|thumb|{{USS|Sabalo|SS-302|6}} after a Fleet Snorkel conversion]]
The Fleet Snorkel program was developed as an austere, cost-effective alternative to full GUPPY conversions, with significantly less improvement in submerged performance. Twenty-three ''Balao''-class boats ({{USS|Bergall|SS-320|2}}, {{USS|Besugo|SS-321|2}}, {{USS|Brill|SS-330|2}}, {{USS|Bugara|SS-331|2}}, {{USS|Carbonero|SS-337|2}}, {{USS|Carp|SS-338|2}}, {{USS|Charr|SS-328|2}}, {{USS|Chub|SS-329|2}}, {{USS|Cusk|SS-348|2}}, {{USS|Guitarro|SS-363|2}}, {{USS|Kraken|SS-370|2}}, {{USS|Lizardfish|SS-373|2}}, {{USS|Mapiro|SS-376|2}}, {{USS|Mero|SS-378|2}}, {{USS|Piper|SS-409|2}}, {{USS|Sabalo|SS-302|2}}, {{USS|Sablefish|SS-303|2}}, {{USS|Scabbardfish|SS-397|2}}, {{USS|Sea Cat|SS-399|2}}, {{USS|Sea Owl|SS-405|2}}, {{USS|Segundo|SS-398|2}}, {{USS|Sennet|SS-408|2}}, and {{USS|Sterlet|SS-392|2}}) received this upgrade, six immediately prior to foreign transfer. Most Fleet Snorkel conversions occurred 1951–52. Unlike the GUPPY conversions, the original pair of Sargo batteries were not upgraded. Each boat received a streamlined sail with a snorkel, along with upgraded sonar, air conditioning, and ESM. The original bow was left in place, except on three boats (''Piper'', ''Sea Owl'', and ''Sterlet'') that received additional upper bow sonar equipment.<ref>Friedman since 1945, p. 82</ref> A few boats initially retained the 5"/25 deck gun, but this was removed in the early 1950s.