New Picture in the Archives - USS Razorback - April 1962

This picture came to us recently from the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington (the source of our three MK XIV torpedoes), thanks to one of their volunteers, John Clear.


In November 1961, Razorback entered the drydock in the San Francisco Naval Shipyard. She left the drydock in February 1962 and, after some additional work was done pierside, she left San Francisco for the Pacific Northwest, arriving in Bangor, Washington on 10 April.

Razorback spent four days in the Bangor area, firing a total of 34 practice torpedoes at the torpedo test range at Dabob Bay, Washington before heading back south.

The crew clearly had some early days, loading as many as 10 torpedoes BEFORE getting underway at 6:30 a.m. and staying out at late as 6:00 p.m.

AIMM would like to thank the Naval Undersea Museum and John Clear for sending us this picture.

USS Razorback to be Featured on the Public Radio Show "Whad'Ya Know?"

USS Razorback will be featured on the nationally syndicated radio show "Whad'ya Know?" on Saturday, January 12 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

You can listen to the "Whad'ya Know?" show on your local public radio station (KUAR 89.1 here in Central Arkansas), or through the Internet via any one of hundreds of public radio stations.

Tickets are also still available for the show, at the Robinson Center Music Hall. You can call the box office at 501-244-8800 or buy them through Ticketmaster.com.

There will be USS Razorback prizes to be won as well as a large artifact sharing the stage with the show for the local audience to enjoy...


Yes, that is a World War II era, MK XIV torpedo arriving at the Robinson Center Music Hall dock.
Here is the torpedo safely on stage, next to Mr. Feldman's table, and right behind one of the chairs on stage. It's safe to say that the "Whad'ya Know?" show is the most heavily armed radio show in the world. They will be safe if attacked by Click and Clack or by the "Prairie Home Companion"...

Rest In Peace - Raymond J. Boeckmann

AIMM is saddened to report that Raymond John Boeckmann, North Little Rock native and career submarine sailor passed away on Christmas morning following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 65.

He was born Oct. 17, 1942, in North Little Rock to the late C.F. and Marie Boeckmann. He attended church and grade school across the street from his home at Immaculate Heart of Mary and graduated from Catholic High School in 1960. He immediately joined the United States Navy, honorably and bravely serving our country as a submarine sailor for 20 years.

In 1980, he returned home to Arkansas where he was involved with the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department and successfully owned and operated Electronics Unlimited until he retired.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife Becky and his six children, Robert John (Mishell) of Anchorage, Alaska; Adem Paul (Melissa) of Nome, Alaska; Reachel Quinn (Carl) of Anchorage, Alaska; John Raymond Goff III of Austin, Texas; Dana Lynn (Rob) Garrison of Russellville, Ark.; Sherry Rae (Randal) Meyer of Sacramento, Calif.; and eight grandchildren, Adem, Anvil, Aidan, Brynn, Atticus, Rohan, Atlas, and Kai.

He is further survived by two brothers, Joe of Conway, Ark., and Paul (Jill) of Bee Branch, Ark.; and two sisters, Ann Marie (John) McAuley of Clarksville, Ark., and Johanna (Bob) Thomas of North Little Rock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Jean Thrasher, Agnes Hogan, and Marty Coffee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fellowship North, 1 East 52nd Place, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116; S.T.E.P. Ministries, 1401 North Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114; or KenyaRelief.org, 316 First Avenue South East, Cullman, Ala. 35055.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, at Fellowship North with burial in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Conducted by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.