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Silent Service - The USN Submarine Forces


Bearmon
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Salvage Sailor
On 9/8/2016 at 11:02 AM, Bearmon said:

USS Greenling SSN 614

attachicon.gifuss greenling ssn 614.jpg

 

More from GREENLING - Built as Thresher class but converted to Permit class

 

USS Greenling (SSN-614), a Permit-class submarine, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for the greenling, an elongate, fine-scaled fish found from Kamchatka to California. Her keel was laid down on 15 August 1961 by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut.
 
On 10 April 1963, Thresher, the lead ship of Greenling's class, was lost due to severe design flaws in her non-nuclear piping systems. Because she was still early in the construction process, Greenling was one of three selected Thresher-class submarines selected for conversion to the "improved Thresher class." (The other two were SSN-613 Flasher and SSN-615 Gato.) She was launched on 4 April 1964 sponsored by Mrs. H.C. Bruton. On 29 April, she was towed to Quincy, Massachusetts, for lengthening and submarine safety program (SUBSAFE) modifications. Modifications included increased buoyancy and adding 13 feet 9 inches of length to the hull, providing improved living and working conditions for the crew and space for additional equipment. Before construction of Greenling was completed, she and her sister ships were redesignated the Permit class, after the eldest surviving member of the class. Greenling was commissioned on 3 November 1967 with Commander Guy H.B. Schaffer in command.
 
Hilborn Hamburger version circa 1964 and two American made versions 1960's

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USS GREENLING (SSN-614) Permit class in service 1967 to 1994 Cold War attack submarine

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USS GREENLING (SSN-614)

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USS GREENLING (SSN-614) STEAMIN' MOTHER 1970's

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USS GREENLING (SSN-614) UNITAS XX July to December 1979

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USS GREENLING (SSN-614)  Always Steamin' In Port or Underway

1983-1984 Mediterranean Run vs. the Commies. Toulon, La Maddalena, 1st NUC Sub in Palma, Spain

614 SSN 614 USS GREENLING 008.jpg

 

614 SSN 614 USS GREENLING 009.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS BREAM (AGSS-243) Gato class commissioned in 1944, six war patrols WWII. Hunter-Killer (SSK-243) 1953 to 1963. Bream was reclassified as an Auxiliary Submarine AGSS-243, 1 February 1964. Decommissioned in 1969

243 AGSS 243 USS BREAM 001.jpg

243 AGSS 243 USS BREAM 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS BATON ROUGE (SSN-689) Los Angeles class in service 1977 to 1995. Second in her class but first to be decommissioned shortly after a collision with a Russian sub

Swiss Tex commissioning patch circa 1977

 

689 SSN 689 USS BATON ROUGE Swiss Tex 001.jpg

 

USS BATON ROUGE (SSN-689) Los Angeles class in service 1977 to 1995. Second in her class but first to be decommissioned shortly after a collision with a Russian sub
 
 
B-276 Kostroma is a Russian Sierra-class submarine. She was launched in 1986, commissioned in 1987, and named K-276 Crab until 1992. Kostroma was built at Gorky and later towed to Severodvinsk for completion. She is part of the Russian Northern Fleet.
 
On 11 February 1992, Kostroma - then still named K-276 Crab - collided with USS Baton Rouge (some sources state it was K-239 Carp that collided with Baton Rouge). Baton Rouge was damaged (as was Crab) and was eventually deactivated in 1993. The crew of K-276 Crab painted the number "1" bordered by a star on the sail, as did Soviet submarines during World War II to indicate the number of their victories.
 
1 Los Angeles-class submarine vs 1 Sierra-class submarine
 
Casualties and losses
 
1 nuclear submarine heavily damaged vs 1 nuclear submarine damaged

 

689 SSN 689 USS BATON ROUGE 001.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

Nice SKIPJACK (SSN-585) patch, that's one we hadn't posted yet.

 

USS SKIPJACK (SSN-585) Class leader in service 1959 to 1990

 

1980's version of her patch

585 SSN 585 USS SKIPJACK 001.jpg

585 SSN 585 USS SKIPJACK 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS WOODROW WILSON (SSBN-624) Lafayette class ballistic missile submarine in service 1963 to 1994

 

Swiss Tex version early 1980's

624 SSBN 624 USS WOODROW WILSON Swiss Tex 001.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

The Loss of the USS BONEFISH - The 1988 Fire at Sea

 

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On 24 April 1988 Bonefish was submerged, during an exercise with guided-missile frigate USS Carr, about 160 mi (260 km) off the Atlantic coast of Florida, when seawater began leaking onto cables and electric buses in a battery-supply cableway. Arcing then caused an explosion, which flashed into a fire within minutes, with the temperature in the battery space reaching 1,200° Fahrenheit. The heat was so intense that it melted the soles of the shoes of the crewmembers in the space above.
 
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Bonefish surfaced, and the captain ordered the crew to abandon ship. The crews of a whaleboat from Carr and helicopters from both Carr and the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy rescued 89 men. Petty Officer Third Class Larry B. Grossman, a Navy Spec Ops Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) and Navy Diver from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Seven (HS-7), with total disregard for his own safety, jumped from an H-3 helicopter into the ocean and spent more than three hours rescuing stricken Sailors.
 
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The first survivor, in a panic, knocked off Grossman's mask and Grossman gave up his own life preserver to calm the Sailor down. Petty Officer Grossman swam over a thousand yards in the choppy waters and received credit for having saved 19 lives. Grossman's eyes were nearly swollen shut from the fuel and saltwater and he also received chemical burns on his body from the diesel fuel spilled from the submarine in the ocean. He remained overnight in the medical ward on the carrier for his injuries. Grossman later received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal from the President for his extraordinary heroism. (The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest noncombat decoration awarded for heroism within the US Department of the Navy, ranking immediately above the Bronze Star Medal in the order of precedence for the awards and decorations of the US armed forces).
 
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The frigate USS McCloy, serving as headquarters of the rescue operation, pulled alongside Bonefish to remove the bodies. Afterward USS Hoist (ARS-40), a salvage-and-rescue ship, towed Bonefish to Charleston, South Carolina. Three crewmembers – Lieutenant Ray Everts, Radioman First Class (RM1) (SS) Bob Bordelon, and Yeoman Third Class (YN3) (SS) Marshal Lindgren – died due to the fire.
 
Naval authorities deemed the damage to Bonefish to be too extensive to warrant repair and thus decided to decommission and scrap her in 1989

 

USS BONEFISH (SS-582) The last of the Barbel class (and last) Diesel Electric submarine built for the US Navy. In service 1959 to 1988.

 

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Cut edge missile & torpedo version of her patch

 

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Cut edge torpedo version of her patch

 

582 SS 582 USS BONEFISH 004.jpg

 

UNITAS XX (20) 1979 - UNITAS are sea exercises and in-port training involving several countries in North, South and Central America, conducted by the United States since 1959 in support of U.S. policy.

 

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In 2009, the exercises were named UNITAS Gold, in recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the first exercises in 1959.

 

582 SS 582 USS BONEFISH UNITAS XX 1979 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS Pickerel SS 524

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Different version that's not on navsource

 

USS PICKEREL (SS-524) Tench class in service 1949 to 1972. Launched but not christened in 1944, she was mothballed until her 1949 commissioning.

524 SS 524 USS PICKEREL 001.jpg

524 SS 524 USS PICKEREL 002.jpg

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USS TIRANTE (SS-420) Tench class in service 1944 to 1973, converted to Guppy II-A in 1952 for Cold War service in the Med. Assigned to Key West as test bed submarine. Two battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her World War II service.

 

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Underway photo circa 1953

 

Lt. Comdr. George L. Street III. Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy, Tirante (SS-420). Place and date: Harbor of Quelpart Island, off the coast of Korea, 14 April 1945. Entered service at. Virginia. Born: 27 July 1913, Richmond, Va. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross, Silver Star with 1 Gold Star.
 
Citation.
 
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the Tirante during the first war patrol of that vessel against enemy Japanese surface forces in the harbor of Quelpart Island, off the coast of Korea, on 14 April 1945. With the crew at surface battle stations, Comdr. (then Lt. Comdr.) Street approached the hostile anchorage from the south within 1,200 yards of the coast to complete a reconnoitering circuit of the island. Leaving the 10-fathom curve far behind he penetrated the mined and shoal-obstructed waters of the restricted harbor despite numerous patrolling vessels and in defiance of 5 shore-based radar stations and menacing aircraft. Prepared to fight it out on the surface if attacked, Comdr. Street went into action, sending 2 torpedoes with deadly accuracy into a large Japanese ammunition ship and exploding the target in a mountainous and blinding glare of white flames. With the Tirante instantly spotted by the enemy as she stood out plainly in the flare of light, he ordered the torpedo data computer set up while retiring and fired his last 2 torpedoes to disintegrate in quick succession the leading frigate and a similar flanking vessel. Clearing the gutted harbor at emergency full speed ahead, he slipped undetected along the shoreline, diving deep as a pursuing patrol dropped a pattern of depth charges at the point of submergence. His illustrious record of combat achievement during the first war patrol of the Tirante characterizes Comdr. Street as a daring and skilled leader and reflects the highest credit upon himself, his valiant command, and the U.S. Naval Service.

 

Officers of the Tirante (SS-420) pose on deck, circa 1945. CDR. Street is second on the right on the bottom row.

 

Tirante (SS-420) returning from her second war patrol off Guam on 19 July 1945. Photo is signed by Lt. Comdr. George L. Street III.

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USS TIRANTE (SS-420) Tench class in service 1944 to 1973, converted to Guppy II-A in 1952 for Cold War service in the Med. Assigned to Key West as test bed submarine.

 

420 SS 420 USS TIRANTE 002.jpg

 

420 SS 420 USS TIRANTE 003.jpg

 

420 SS 420 USS TIRANTE 004.jpg

 

420 SS 420 USS TIRANTE 005.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor

USS CUTLASS (SS-478) Tench class in service 1945 to 1973

 

Japanese made Ace Novelty

 

USS CUTLASS (SS-478) Tench class in service 1945 to 1973, still in service with the Taiwanese Navy. In January 2017, Taiwan announced that it would receive a retrofit to extend its service life until 2026, making it the longest-serving submarine in history. The submarine is still operational and reportedly capable of combat

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 001.jpg

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 002.jpg

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USS FLYING FISH (SS-229) Gato class submarine in service 1941 to 1954. Twelve war patrols WWII. Of Flying Fish's twelve war patrols, all save the 11th were designated as "successful". She is credited with having sunk a total of 58,306 tons of enemy shipping. She received 12 battle stars for World War II service. Veterans Patch

229 SS 229 USS FLYING FISH 001.jpg

229 SS 229 USS FLYING FISH 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS SEA FOX (SS-402) Balao class in service 1944 to 1970. 4 war patrols WWII, Korea, Vietnam service

 

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Photo: A closeup of the Sea Fox's (SS-402) sail showing her battle record (3 ships sunk, 11 aviators rescued) and the fox riding a torpedo.post-2322-0-39257000-1578857838_thumb.jpg

 

Rescued USAAF Crew join the Sea Fox (SS-402)

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Photos from navsource.com

 

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Salvage Sailor

USS SEADRAGON (SSN-584) "From The Depths I Rule" - Last of the four Skate class nuclear submarines, in service 1959 to 1984. In twenty-four years of active service, Seadragon steamed over 200,000 miles, dove and surfaced 1800 times, made thirteen deployments to the Western Pacific, and conducted four under ice operations. Seadragon was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

 

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USS SEADRAGON (SSN-584) "From The Depths I Rule" - Last of the four Skate class nuclear submarines, in service 1959 to 1984.

584 SSN 584 USS SEADRAGON 004.jpg

 

584 SSN 584 USS SEADRAGON 005.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS RATON (AGSS-270) The 'Raidin Raton', Gato class in service 1943 to 1969 (SS/SSR/AGSS-270) Eight war patrols, six battle stars WWII

 

Redesignated as Auxiliary research submarine (AGSS-270), 1960–1968
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In early 1960 Raton was engaged in local operations, including evaluation of new sonar concepts, and training of UDT personnel in covert reconnaissance. On 1 July 1960, Raton was redesignated an auxiliary submarine AGSS-270.
 
In Mare Island Naval Shipyard from January to April 1961 for a major overhaul, Raton sailed west for her fourth 7th Fleet deployment 3 July 1961, returning to San Diego 19 December. The year 1962 was occupied in fleet training operations off the west coast of the United States, providing services for air, surface, and submarine forces.
 
On April 9, 1962, it was reported that a kite had snagged on the submarine. This incident was referenced in the Peanuts strip of May 19, 1962 wherein it is implied that the kite had belonged to the long-suffering Charlie Brown whose problems with flying kites was a standard running gag of the strip.
 
Her fifth post-World War II WestPac deployment, from January to June 1963, included participation in two major ASW exercises with U.S. and SEATO forces. Following an overhaul period from November 1963 to early March 1964, Raton deployed again from 6 July to 23 December to the Far East, where she operated with naval forces of Thailand, the Philippines, and the Republic of China, under the Military Assistance Program.
 
Local fleet and type operations filled 1965 and early 1966 when Raton once more followed the setting sun in mid-April for another tour of duty with the 7th Fleet. While deployed, Raton exercised with SEATO naval units in Exercise "Sea Imp". On 17 October 1966 AGSS-270 returned to San Diego.
 
1967 was spent in local operations, reserve training, and semiannual overhaul. On 20 May and 21 May 1968, Raton served as a test ship to determine that a small fleet tug could rescue men from a sunken submarine resting on the ocean floor. Raton commenced her final WestPac deployment 15 July 1968, arriving Yokohama 7 August. During her deployment AGSS-270 provided training services to 7th Fleet and SEATO units. The veteran submarine returned to San Diego 20 December 1968. She was decommissioned at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and stricken from the Navy List 28 June 1969. The stripped hull was designated as a target ship for Pacific Fleet gunnery exercise. She was sold for scrapping 10 December 1973.

 

270 SS 270 AGSS 270 USS RATON 002.jpg

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Salvage Sailor
On 9/8/2016 at 11:05 AM, Bearmon said:

USS Ronquil SS 396

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USS RONQUIL (SS-396) Balao class in service 1944 to 1971.  5 war patrols WWII.  Ronquil earned six battle stars for World War II service and two for Vietnam service.

 

RONQUIL also played the part of the fictional USS Tigerfish (SSN-509) in the motion picture Ice Station Zebra.

 

396_SS_396_USS_RONQUIL_001.jpg

 

396_SS_396_USS_RONQUIL_002.jpg

 

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Salvage Sailor

USS CHIVO (SS-341)

Balao class in service 1945 to 1971

341_SS_341_USS_CHIVO_001.jpg.2b9b5b03987389aa803d28693a9b0da6.jpg

OPFOR - The Red Goatfish - Opposing Force

Chivo's 3rd Version Patch

EX SCIENTIA VIS E PROFUNDO FUMEN translates as "Out of Knowledge, Power; Out of the Depths, Lightening"

 

After WWII she was assigned to SUBRON 4 and 12 at the Fleet Sonar School, Key West where she served in a specialized status in her role as an "opposition force" (i.e. Soviet) submarine during ASW training exercises with the Atlantic Fleet destroyers & destroyer escorts.

 

341_SS_341_USS_CHIVO_002.jpg

 

 

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Salvage Sailor

USS GROTON (SSN-694) Los Angeles class attack submarine in service 1978 to 1997

homeport Sub Base Groton, CT - The Submarine Capital of The World

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1970's Ace Novelty, Tokyo, Japan (tag fell off, note the glue residue)

 

936763357_694SSN694USSGROTON002.jpg.1263b8996784beb856b57aa287f3edd9.jpg

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Salvage Sailor

USS RAY (SSN-653) Sturgeon class nuclear attack submarine in service 1967 to 1993

 

Gemsco version 1960's

 

653 SSN 653 USS STURGEON Gemsco 001.jpg

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Salvage Sailor
On 10/13/2014 at 6:21 AM, Bearmon said:

I didn't see this topic so lets start, I tried to resist adding Submarine patches to the collection but I got a few in trade and then saw some bargains... We all know the rest of the story.

So here are the few I have collected please feel free to add your own.

First up a USS Barbel fully embroidered

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Back to the top Bearmon, expanding upon your initial 2014 post to start off the Submarine board

 

USS BARBEL (SS-580) Diesel submarine Class leader in service 1959 to 1989

 

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USS BARBEL (SS-580) DIESEL BOATS FOREVER, Japanese Made

 

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On 10/14/2014 at 12:23 AM, Bearmon said:

Next up USS Bashaw AGSS 241

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USS Baya AGSS 318

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Hi! Found a jacket with this same BAYA patch, do you think it's legit? Looks right... 

IMG_20210315_225648_504.jpg

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26 minutes ago, PFA Ken said:

 

Hi! Found a jacket with this same BAYA patch, do you think it's legit? Looks right... 

IMG_20210315_225648_504.jpg

From what I can tell it looks okay to me for a 60s or early 70s vintage. 

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8 minutes ago, Bearmon said:

From what I can tell it looks okay to me for a 60s or early 70s vintage. 

Yeah thanks. It does not look like a newer repro to me too!

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Salvage Sailor

USS CUTLASS (SS-478) Tench class in service 1945 to 1973, still in service with the Taiwanese Navy. In January 2017, Taiwan announced that it would receive a retrofit to extend its service life until 2026, making it the longest-serving submarine in history. The submarine is still operational and reportedly capable of combat.

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 003.jpg

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 004.jpg

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS Ace Novelty 003.jpg

 

Ace Novelty, Tokyo, Japan 1960's

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS Ace Novelty 004.jpg

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 007.jpg

 

USS CUTLASS SUBMARINE FORCE US ATLANTIC FLEET

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 005.jpg

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 006.jpg

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 001.jpg

 

Tom & Jerry

 

478 SS 478 USS CUTLASS 002.jpg

 

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