The first U.S. submarine to be lost on active duty.

On March 25, 1915, while on patrol off the coast of Hawaii near Honolulu, the F-4 foundered (sank due to underwater flooding). The lead lining of the battery tank had been corroded by acid, allowing seawater to seep into the battery compartment. The end result was loss of control, and the vessel and her crew of 21 sank to a watery grave.

On August 29, 1915, the Navy was able to raise F-4 using cables suspended from pontoons. The submarine was subsequently declared a wreck and struck from the Navy Register.