During World War I, G-1, G-2, and G-3 were fitted with "chariot" bridge shields for improved surface operation in rough weather,[4] although they were not deployed overseas.

G-1 was built under a contract with such high performance specifications that the Navy expected Lake to fail, so as a result the boat was not initially assigned a hull number.

This would create severe vibrations in operation, as it was impossible to perfectly synchronize the engines, a problem the later AA-1-class submarines experienced.

While being completed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard she was fitted with sponsons to improve stability.

This created severe vibrations in operation, as it was impossible to perfectly synchronize the engines, a problem the later AA-1 class experienced.