USS Segundo (SS 398)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Segundo (SS 398)

Officers and crew aboard USS Segundo (SS 398) salute the colors as the submarine slides down the
 launching ramp, February 5, 1944.  United States Navy photograph.

October 14, 1943, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard laid the keel for USS Segundo (SS 398).  The submarine was commissioned into the United States Navy on May 9, 1944.

Segundo joined the Pacific Fleet on July 25, 1944.  The next year, the submarine served five war patrols in the Philippines, Marshall Islands, Luzon Strait, South China Sea, East China Sea, and Korean coast.  The fifth war patrol began on August 10, 1945 in the Sea of Okhotsk.  After “Cease Fire” was announced on August 15, Segundo was ordered to proceed to Tokyo Bay on August 24. 

World War II battle flag of USS Segundo  (SS 398).

While en route, she encountered the Japanese I-400 class submarine I-401 on August 29.  In 1945, I-401 was the largest submarine in the world.  Segundo ordered I-401 to standstill, after communication between the submarines, the Japanese accepted Segundo crew members aboard and operating I-401 to Tokyo Bay.  On August 31, 1945, at 05:00, the United States flag was raised aboard the Japanese submarine I-401. Segundo and I-401 were both present in Tokyo Bay during the formal surrender on September 2, 1945.

Blimp overhead deck of USS Segundo (SS 398), circa 1947.  Photograph courtesy of John Hummel.

After World War II, Segundo operated out of San Diego with cruises to Australia and China in 1946 and 1948.  On June 25, 1950, the submarine was in the Far East with the outbreak of the Korean War.  Segundo served as support for the United Nations Forces during the war from July to September of 1950.  In 1951, the San Francisco Naval Shipyard converted Segundo to a Fleet Snorkel Submarine.  The next year, the submarine returned to the Korean War until February 16, 1953.

USS Segundo's (SS 398) after battery and laundry room, circa 1960s.  Photograph courtesy of John Hummel.

Segundo served from 1953 to 1969 out of San Diego patrolling along the west coast of the United States and in the Pacific.  In July of 1970, the submarine was found unfit for further Naval service.  Segundo was decommissioned on August 1, 1970.  Seven days later the submarine was sunk as a target by the submarine USS Salmon (SSR 573).

The colors lowered for the final time aboard USS Segundo (SS 398).  United States Navy photograph.

USS Segundo (SS 398) after being struck by a torpedo on August 8, 1970.  United States Navy photograph.

The United States Navy used the submarine for twenty six years, two months, and twenty three days continuously.  During that time Segundo earned four battle stars during World War II and one battle star during the Korean War.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Sea Cat (SS 399)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Sea Cat (SS 399)

Postal Cover for USS Sea Cat's (SS 399) launching, February 21, 1944.

USS Sea Cat (SS 399) was built in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.  This Balao-class submarine was commissioned into the United States navy on May 16, 1944.

USS Sea Cat (SS 399) World War II battle flag.  

On October 28, 1944, Sea Cat began her World War II service in the Pacific Fleet.  She spent three patrols in the South China, East China, and Yellow Seas.  August 1945, the submarine began her fourth war patrol off the Kuril Islands, but upon arrival the crew learned that the war had ended.  Sea Cat was ordered to proceed to the Japanese home islands to participate in the formal surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay.

Subron 5 family photograph in Guam 1945.  From left to right: USS Segundo (SS 398), USS Sea Cat (SS 399), USS Blenny
(SS 324), USS Blower (SS 325), USS Blueback (SS 326), and USS Charr (SS 328). Photograph courtesy of John Hummel.

After the war, Sea Cat served in Guam and San Diego before being overhauled in Mare Island in April of 1946.  The submarine’s overhaul was completed in 3 months.  She then began her first simulated war patrol out of San Diego in August of 1946.  During this patrol Sea Cat visited Hawaii, Canton Islands, Samoa Island, and Shanghai.

After the simulated war patrol in the Pacific Fleet, Sea Cat was transferred to the Atlantic Fleet out of Balboa, Panama, from 1947 to spring of 1949.  The submarine’s home port was changed to Key West in June of 1949.  Later that year, Sea Cat was overhauled and redesignated as an auxiliary submarine (AGSS 399) with experimental changes made to the boat’s design.  The modifications and repairs were made by the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for four months.  She operated out of Key West from 1950 through 1951.

USS Sea Cat (SS 399) circa 1952.  United State Navy photograph.

January of 1952, Sea Cat arrived in Philadelphia again for another overhaul.  This time she was converted to a Fleet Snorkel Submarine and redesignated back to SS 399.  June 26, 1952, the submarine departed Philadelphia and returned to Key West.  The next sixteen years, Sea Cat served out of Key West.  Her patrols were spent in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and once in the Mediterranean in 1966.

"Loading Fish" watercolor by Salvatore Indiviglia, 1960.  Subject was USS Sea Cat (SS 399) and her crew.
United States National Historic Center.

Sea Cat was decommissioned from the United States Navy on December 2, 1968.  She was sold for scrap on May 18, 1973.

USS Sea Cat (SS 399) at Guantanomo Bay in 1968.  Photograph courtesy of John Hummel.

Sea Cat served the United States Navy continuously for twenty-four years, seven months, and seventeen days.  During World War II service she earned three battle stars.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Runner (SS 476)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Runner (SS 476)

On July 10, 1944, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard laid the keel to the Tench-class submarine USS Runner (SS 476).  Three months later the submarine was launched and on February 6, 1945, she was commissioned into the United States Navy. 

USS Runner (SS 476), March 1945.  United States Navy photograph.

Runner joined the Pacific Fleet on May 21, 1945.  Her first war patrol’s primary mission was to scout for defensive minefields that guarded the Japanese home islands.  When Runner arrived on station at Honshū, Japan, for her second war patrol peace had come. The submarine, Runner, was given the order to participate in the formal surrender ceremony of the Empire of Japan.

After World War II, Runner served out of various ports. 

·         Balboa, Panama: 1946 to 1949

·         Norfolk, Virginia: 1949 to 1957

·         San Juan, Puerto Rico: 1958 to 1959

·         Norfolk, Virginia: 1959 to 1963

In 1957, the submarine participated in North Atlantic NATO exercises visiting ports in France and England.  While Runner served in Puerto Rico, she served as a Regulus missile guidance submarine.

USS Runner (SS 476) docked at Great Lakes Naval Training Station.  Photograph courtesy of Joe Radigan.

Later in life, Runner served as an educational tool. The summer of 1964, Runner arrived in Great Lakes to serve as a training vessel for the Naval Reservists.  In 1967, she served for educational services for future submariners.  Runner provided services for Underwater Demolition Team school at Little Creek, Virginia, in 1968. Runner did complete one last Mediterranean Sea deployment in April through July of 1968. During the deployment the submarine visited European ports and participating in NATO exercises.

USS Runner (SS 476) in Genoa, Italy, June 29, 1968.  Photograph courtesy of Carlo Martinelli.

January 25, 1969, Runner was decommissioned from the United States Navy.  She was still useful to the Navy as a Naval Reserve Training vessel as an auxiliary submarine (AGSS 476).  Runner was finally stricken from the Naval Register on December 15, 1971. The submarine was sold for scrap on June 19, 1973, to Diamond Scrapyards in Waukegan, Illinois for $108,000.00. 

USS Runner (SS 476) towed to Great Lakes Naval Station, August 12, 1969. Photograph courtesy of Ron Reeves. 

Runner served continuously for the United States Navy for twenty-three years, eleven months, and nineteen days.  After being decommissioned she served for almost two more years.  During her service she did earn one battle star for her World War II service.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Razorback (SS 394)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Razorback (SS 394)

Launch of USS Razorback (SS 394), USS Redfish (USS 395), and USS Ronquil (SS 396) in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
United States Navy photograph.

USS Razorback (SS 394), a Balao-class submarine, was built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.  Her keel was laid on September 9, 1943.  Razorback was launched along with three other submarines, USS Redfish (SS 395), USS Ronquil (SS 396), and USS Scabbardfish (SS 397).  This is the largest single-day launch of submarines in United States history on January 27, 1944.  

USS Razorback (SS 394) grounded 1944.  AIMM Permanent Collection.

April 3, 1944, Razorback was commissioned into the United States Navy.  During her training period, the submarine ran aground in the late evening of May 23, 1944, outside of New London submarine base.  Following a short drydocking period, she resumed her training regimen.  On August 4, 1944, Razorback arrived in Pearl Harbor joining the Pacific Fleet.

During World War II, Razorback was able to complete five war patrols.  She patrolled the Philippines, Luzon Strait, and the East China Sea.  Her final war patrol began on July 22, 1945, where she patrolled the Okhotsk Sea and East of the Northern Kurile Islands.  Her offensive patrols were interrupted by an assignment to lifeguard duty.

Atkinson Diary from USS Razorback (SS 394) 1944-1945.  AIMM Permanent Collection

Despite the declaration of "Cease Fire," Razorback was fired upon by an unidentified submerged Japanese submarine on August 29.  She dove to avoid the torpedo and did not return fire.  Two days later Razorback arrived in Tokyo Bay to participate in the formal surrender ceremonies on September 2, 1945.

USS Razorback (SS 394) crew members in Tokyo Bay, September 2, 1945.  AIMM Permanent Collection.

After World War II, Razorback participated in simulated four war patrols in the Pacific Fleet.  The first of these patrols, in 1946, the submarine took photographs of Johnson Island and Nauru Island in order to update navigational charts from 1921.  In 1947, the patrol's mission was a wide range cruise.  Razorback visited Canton Island, Sydney, Okinawa, Tsingtao, and Midway.  The last two patrols were spent participating in exercises and experimental activities.

USS Razorback (SS 394) crew, circa 1947.  AIMM Permanent Collection

Razorback was decommissioned on August 5, 1952, to undergo conversion and modernization under the Great Underwater Propulsive Power (GUPPY) program.  Once modifications were complete at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, she was recommissioned into the Navy on January 8, 1954.  

Recommissioning ceremony of USS Razorback (SS 394).  AIMM Permanent Collection.

From 1954 through 1970, Razorback was active in the Cold War and the Vietnam War.  Much of this activity is shrouded in mystery due to is classified nature.  On November 30, 1970, Razorback was decommissioned from the United States Navy and transferred to the Navy of the Republic of Turkey.

Transfer Ceremony Booklet.  AIMM Permanent Collection

The submarine was commissioned into the Turkish Navy on December 17, 1971, as TCG Muratreis (S 336).  During her service with the Turkish Navy, Muratreis served as a front-line, combatant submarine.  After fourteen patrol rotations and seven long-rang deployments, she was decommissioned on August 8, 2001.

Razorback served the United States Navy actively for twenty five years, two months, and twenty four days.  Muratreis then served the Turkish Navy for twenty nine years, seven months, and twenty two days.  Combined the submarine served fifty four years, ten months, and fifteen days as a combat submarine, making Razorback the longest serving combat submarine in the world.

Official transfer ceremony in Turkey, 2004.  AIMM Permanent Collection.

March 25, 2004, the Turkish Navy officially transferred Muratreis to the "USS Razorback/TCG Muratreis Association," which is now the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.  Visitors can participate in a guided tour of the submarine in North Little Rock, Arkansas.  Operating hours are: 

• Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Wednesdays through Sundays
• Fall/Winter/Spring Hours: Fridays through Sundays

For more information about Razorback or about the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum please visit our website: http://aimmuseum.org/.

USS Razorback (SS 394) moored in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Pilotfish (SS 386)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Pilotfish (SS 386)

May 15, 1943, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard laid the keel of a Balao-class submarine, USS Pilotfish (SS 386).  She was launched 3 months later and commissioned into the United States Navy on December 16, 1943.

USS Pilotfish (SS 386) prior to launching at Portsmouth Navy Yard.  United States Navy photograph.

April 10, 1944, Pilotfish joined the Pacific Fleet.  During the war, the submarine patrolled the Mariana Islands, Bonin Islands, Chichi Jima, and the East China Sea.  She began her sixth war patrol on August 9, 1945.  Pilotfish was ordered to patrol the south-east of Japan on lifeguard duty.

USS Proteus (AS 19) at Midway Naval Base in May 1944.  Submarines alongside are (from left to right) USS Bang (SS 385), USS Pintado (SS 387), and USS Pilotfish (SS 386).  United States Naval Historical Center Photograph.

August 15, 1945, Pilotfish received the "Cease Fire" order.  She remained on lifeguard duty and also completed neutrality patrol.  August 31, 1945, the submarine arrived in Tokyo Bay for her mission to participate in the formal surrender of the Empire of Japan two days later. The next day she went underway to return to the United States.

USS Pilotfish (SS 386) underway with crewmen on deck, September 1945, upon arrival at San Francisco.
United States Naval Historical Center Photograph.

"PILOTFISH was underway for San Francisco, California, after 18 months duty beyond the continental limits of the United States, which duty covered 75, 075 miles underway during 313 days on war patrol.  The homing pennant flying from the periscope as the PILOTFISH enters the Golden Gate will probably mean most to those of her commissioning personnel who still remain aboard after six war patrols."  -- History of Pilotfish (SS 386)

July 1, 1946, Pilotfish was used as a target for the Operation Crossroads atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll.  The submarine was decommissioned on August 29, 1946, and finally struck from the Naval Register on February 25, 1947.

Postal Cover issued on USS Pilotfish (SS 386) at Operation Crossroads Nuclear Test Abel.

Pilotfish was commissioned in the United States Navy for three years, two months, and nine days.  During that time the submarine served six war patrols, earning five battle stars in World War II, and participated in the nuclear bomb testing in the Bikini Atoll.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Muskallunge (SS 262)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Muskallunge (SS 262)

The Gato-class submarine, USS Muskallunge (SS 262) was built by the Electric Boat Company in 1942.  She was commissioned into the United States Navy on March 15, 1943.  Muskallunge entered the war in September of 1943 with the Pacific Fleet.  She completed seven war patrols during World War II.

USS Muskallunge (SS 262) on September 4, 1943. United States Navy photograph.

 Muskallunge's last war patrol was spent in the Kurile Islands, north of Japan, attacking Japanese ships.  On August 8, 1945, enemy fire killed one of the submarine's gunners and wounded two other crew members.  With the news of victory on August 15, Muskallunge received orders to report to Tokyo Bay for the formal surrender ceremonies on September 2, 1945.

USS Muskallunge's (SS 262) World War II battle flag.  United States Navy photograph.

September 3, 1945, Muskallunge was sent to the Atlantic Fleet where she served until she was decommissioned on January 29, 1947.

Muskallunge was recommissioned on August 31, 1956, prior to being transferred to Brazil.  The transfer took place on January 18, 1957.  Muskallunge was on loan to Brazil and served the Brazilian Navy as Humaitá (S14).  

Humaitá (S14), October 1966, transferring cargo.  Brazilian Navy photograph.

March of 1968, the submarine was returned to the United States and was sunk as a target off Long Island, New York, on July 9, 1968.  During Muskallunge's 25 years of existence, she served actively for four years, 4 months, 1 day with the United States Navy and eleven years, 5 months, and 21 days with the Brazilian Navy.  

USS Hake (SS 256)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Hake (SS 256)

Postal cover to commemorate USS Hake's (SS 256) commissioning, October 30, 1942.  Courtesy of Jack Treutle.

USS Hake's (SS 256) keel was laid November 1, 1941, in Groton, Connecticut.  The Electric Boat Company launched the boat on July 17, 1942 and commissioned her three and a half months later on October 30, 1942.

USS Hake (SS 256) November 1943.  United States Navy photograph.

Hake's first two war patrols were in the Atlantic Fleet on antisubmarine patrol.  From April 3, 1943 through July 17, 1943, her mission was to search and destroy German submarines in the North Atlantic.  She did encounter a few submarines but did not have any kills during these patrols.

USS Hake (SS 256) November 1943.  United States Navy photograph.

The rest of the war, Hake spent in the Pacific Fleet.  She completed seven more war patrols totaling nine war patrols.  During that time she served off the Philippine Islands, Luzon, Mindanao, South China Sea, Mariana Islands, and Panay Island.  Hake witnessed the loss of USS Harder (SS 257) and USS Growler (SS 215).  In November of 1944, the submarine was sent on a special mission to pick up 29 United States aviators that were held by the Filipino guerrillas.  Hake successfully transported these aviators to Australia before she continued on with her war patrols.

USS Hake's (SS 256) officers on deck September 2, 1945.
From left to right: Fred Maier, Lt. jg Ted Snyder, Lt. Charlie Knapp, Lt. Bob Heysinger, CDR Frank Haylor, LCDR Jack Edmands, Lt. jg Dick Metzger.  Photograph courtesy of Henry (Hank) Knebes.

Hake's ninth war patrol began on July 20, 1945.  She served on lifeguard duty for the air strikes on Japan until the surrender was announced.  Hake was one of the twelve submarines that was given the distinction of being able to witness the formal surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

USS Hake (SS 256) battle flag.  

Post World War II, Hake returned to New London, Connecticut, and was decommissioned on July 13, 1946.  Ten years later, October 15, 1956, Hake was chosen to serve the Navy as a reserve training ship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Her classification was changed to an auxiliary submarine, AGSS 256.  Hake served as a reserve training ship until November 6, 1962.  The submarine was struck from the Naval Register on March 1, 1967 and sold for scrap on December 5, 1972.

USS Hake (SS 256) circa 1960s.  United States Navy photograph.

Hake actively served the United States Navy for three years, nine months, and fourteen days earning seven battle stars during her service in World War II.  The submarine then served the Navy as a training ship for six years and twenty-two days.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Haddo (SS 255)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Haddo (SS 255)

Postal cover to commemorate launching of USS Haddo (SS 255), June 21, 1942.  Courtesy of Jack Treutle.

The Electric Boat Company laid the keel of USS Haddo (SS 255) on October 1, 1941.  This Gato-class submarine was commissioned in the United States Navy over a year later on October 9, 1942.

Artist John Taylor Arms's U.S. Navy Series No. 4: Haddo (SS 255), Portrait of a Submarine-1942.  Photograph from the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. 

After leaving Groton, Connecticut, Haddo began her first war patrol in April of 1943, in the Atlantic Fleet.  She patrolled shipping lanes to Scotland.  Once arriving in Europe, she patrolled off Norway and Iceland for three war patrols.  Since targets were scarce in the Atlantic Ocean, Haddo was assigned to the Pacific Fleet.

Haddo departed from Pearl Harbor on December of 1943.  She patrolled the Philippine, Boreneo, Java, Indochina, and East Indies water.  Her ninth and final patrol consisted of her in the East China and Yellow Seas.  August 10, 1945, Haddo departed Guam for her tenth war patrol, but was terminated due to the surrender of Japan.

Arthur Laughrun (right) and Richard Moyer (left) under USS Haddo's (SS 255) scorecard, circa 1945.  Photograph courtesy of Arthur Laughrun.

September 2, 1945, Haddo was among the twelve submarines present to witness the singing of the surrender of the Empire of Japan.

Haddo arrived in New London, Connecticut, on October 6, 1945.  She was decommissioned on February 16, 1946, but was kept in reserve until her name was stricken from the Naval Register on August 1, 1958.  Luria Brothers and Company from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bought the submarine for scrap on April 30, 1959.

Haddo served the United States Navy for 3 years, 4 months, and 7 days.  She earned six battle stars out of nine war patrols.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Gato (SS 212)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Gato (SS 212)

Line drawing of USS Gato (SS 212).  Drawing courtesy of Thomas F. Walkowiak.

USS Gato (SS 212) was the lead boat of her class.  Gato-class submarines were launched from 1941 to 1943 and were the first mass production United States submarine class produced in World War II.

USS Gato (SS 212) December 31, 1941.  United States Navy photograph.

The Electric Boat Company laid Gato's keel on October 5, 1940.  She was launched in Groton, Connecticut, on August 21, 1941, and was commissioned into the United States Navy December 31, 1941.  Her first war patrol began in the Pacific on April 20, 1942.

During World War II, Gato completed thirteen war patrols.  Her first five patrols she served off the coast of the Marshall Islands, Kurile Islands, Kiska, Truk atoll, Solomon Islands, and Gilbert Islands. Then during the summer of 1943, Gato was assigned to Mare Island Naval Shipyard for overhaul. 

Pen and ink drawing of USS Gato (SS 212) at Mare Island.  United State Navy photograph.

War patrols six through ten, Gato served in the Salomons, Bismark Archipelago, Milne Bay, Majuro atoll, and Chichi Jima. During her ninth war patrol she transported Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood from Pearl Harbor to Midway in June of 1944.  After the tenth war patrol, Gato again returned to Mare Island for another overhaul.

USS Gato (SS 212) 4"/50 cal deck gun during November 1944 overhaul. United States Navy photograph.

The modifications made to Gato, included installation of new freestanding mast for SD radar and relocation of SJ to a new mast supported by her periscope shears.   January 1945, Gato returned to war for her eleventh patrol.  The rest of the war she patrolled the Yellow Sea, off the coat of Okinawa, and the coast of Wake Island.  While serving lifeguard duty during air strikes on Wake Island, "Cease Fire" was received aboard the submarine.  Gato was able to be apart of the formal surrender ceremony by the Empire of Japan on September 2, 1945.

November 1944 modifications made in Mare Island.  Photograph courtesy of Norman Friedman.

After World War II, Gato was sent to the New York Naval Shipyard.  She was decommissioned on March 16, 1946.  She did serve as a Naval Reserve training ship at New York and Baltimore, Maryland.  March 1, 1960, her name was stricken from the Naval Register.  The Northern Metals Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bought Gato for scrapping on July 25, 1960.

Gato actively served  in the United States Navy for four years, 3 months, and 16 days.  During that time she earned 13 battle stars and Presidential Unit Citation for her service in World War II.

An American syndicated anthology television series, The Silent Service, aired from 1957 to 1958. This series was based on actual events about submarine service in the United States Navy.  The series finale focused on the service of Gato.  The episode "Five Ring Circus" tells the story of when a Japanese depth charge landed on the deck of the boat without exploding.  The episode can be viewed on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngb5_JChxac.

Author: Allison Hiblong

USS Cavalla (SS 244)

"Submarine Honor Guard"

USS Cavalla (SS 244)

USS Cavalla (SS 244) launched on November 14, 1943 in Groton, Connecticut.  Photograph courtesy of National Archives.

USS Cavalla (SS 244) is a Gato-class submarine built by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut.  Her keel was laid March 4, 1943, and commissioned into the United States Navy on February 29, 1944.  This was the first "leap year" boat built by the company.  Three months later Cavalla headed off to action in World War II.  Cavalla saw action in the Philippine, South China, and Java Seas.

During Cavalla's first war patrol, she sank Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku.  This aircraft carrier was a veteran of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Coral Sea.  Cavalla was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for this action.

Cavalla's battle flag streaming from its mast.  Photograph courtesy of Scott Koen.

On August 15, 1945, Cavalla was serving on lifeguard duty near Japan when the cease fire was given. Later she was invited to the formal surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay.  The day after the ceremony, September 3, 1945, she departed for New London, Connecticut.  March 16, 1946, Cavalla was decommissioned.

Line of decommissioned submarines in Groton, Connecticut, 1947.
Left to right: USS Archerfish (SS 311), USS Flasher (SS 249), USS Cobia (SS 245), USS Croaker (SS 246), USS Drum (SS 228), and USS Cavalla (SS 244).
Photograph courtesy of Jack Treulte.

Cavalla was recommissioned on April 10, 1951, for fleet exercises in the Caribbean and off of Nova Scotia.  The United States Navy decided to convert the submarine to a hunter-killer submarine to meet the Cold War Soviet threat.  Therefore, Cavalla was decommissioned on September 3, 1952, for the conversions and recommissioned USS Cavalla (SSK 244) on July 15, 1953.  She was equipped with new sonar for experimentation.  January 1954, new weapons and equipment was added to the submarine to evaluate them in fleet exercises.  Cavalla took part in NATO exercises in European waters till 1957.

Cavalla September 1, 1953.  United States Navy photograph.

August 15, 1959, Cavalla was reconverted back to SS 244, losing her hunter-killer classification.  

Cavalla, circa 1960.  United States Navy photograph.

In November 1961, the submarine traveled to Puerto Rico to assist a nuclear powered submarine. USS Thresher (SSN 593) suffered a diesel generator failure while the nuclear reactor was shut down. Cavalla provided electrical power and successfully assisted in restarting the reactor.  

Cavalla was reclassified again as an auxiliary submarine (AGSS 244) in July of 1963.  Her service ended with the United States Navy on December 30, 1969, when she was decommissioned and her name struck from the Naval Register.  Over the span of 25 years, Cavalla served for 19 years, 11 months and 24 days.

January 21, 1971, the United States Navy transferred possession of Cavalla to the Texas Submarine Veterans of World War II.  The submarine now resides in Seawolf Park in Galveston, Texas. To learn more about Seawolf Park visit their website: http://www.americanunderseawarfarecenter.com/.

Author: Allison Hiblong