The first Growler, 2, a 53-ton wooden sloop, was purchased as Experiment on Lake Ontario during 1812, and was first commanded by Sailing Master M.P. Mix. She was actively employed with Chauncey's squadron on Lake Ontario from 1812 to 1814. Growler took part in attacks on Kingston, York, and Fort George and the engagement with the British squadron 7 August to 11 August 1813. She was captured by the British on 10 August 1813. Recaptured 5 October 1813, Growler was libelled and purchased by the United States Navy, rejoining the squadron. The British captured her again 5 May 1814 at Oswego, New York, and she was taken into the Royal Navy as Hamilton.
The second Growler, 10, a 112-ton sloop armed with ten 18-pounders and one six-pounder, was purchased on Lake Champlain in 1812. She cruised under the command of Lieutenant Sidney Smith as part of Commodore Thomas Macdonough's squadron until she was taken by the British near Isle Aux Noix, Canada, on 3 June 1813. Growler was then taken into the Royal Navy as Shannon, and later Chub. Under the latter name she was captured by the American Squadron in the Battle of Lake Champlain on 11 September 1814. She saw no further service however, and was sold at Whitehall, New York, in July 1815.
The third USS Growler (SS-215), a Gato-class submarine, served with distinction during World War II. As her captain, Commander Howard Gilmore earned the Medal of Honor.
The fourth USS Growler (SSG-577), a Grayback-class submarine, conducted nuclear deterrent patrols during the Cold War, armed with Regulus missiles.