USS Diodon (SS-349) History

1964 (provided by Patrick Householder)

Go to Memories and Shipmates

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Hi Jim: 

Nice to hear from another alumni of the "D".  I came aboard Diodon in 1964, in May or June, I think, from Redfish.  She was preparing for a WestPac and needed another stick thrower (I was a EM2(SS) at that time.)  I'd learned the trade on Chopper (SS-342), a GUPPY 1A stationed in Key West, which also had a split cubicle.  You may recall that Redfish was a non snorkler, pretty much stock fleet boat configuration from the late 1940s.

Including 126 cell batteries...  I never cared much for watering batteries, but 126 cells/battery is tolerable. 

Then I was introduced to Diodon's FOUR batteries and those hot, crowded pits they called battery wells.  They drank copious amounts of water... and took lots of care and feeding.  After preparing for WestPac; which included cutting gun sallie ports in the weather deck of the Sail, and doing a dependents cruise, the WestPac was called off, and soon afterwards I beat feet back across the pier to Redfish, remaining there until my enlistment was up in August, 1966. 

So my time on Diodon was short, about a month as I recall.  I don't recall too much about the crew now, other than that the XO at that time was a real bible thumper.  You and Roy Ator are the only two guys I've run into that have mentioned serving on Diodon.  I'll be in Reno, and you'll know me because my Sub Vest has a Diodon Patch on it.

 Pat

Memories and Shipmates

Bellinghauser of Diodon, any one remember him?  He was rescued by Philip Meek after explosion on Diodon sometime between 1960 to 1964.

(new 12-13-03)

 

David E. Burton, MM2(SS) - Crew of 1961 to 1964

 

Thomas E. Callaham Captain USN (Ret), Diodon Crew of 1963 - 1964

 

CAPT Edward M. Cummings, jr, CO of Diodon 1962-1964
Do any Diodon Shipmates from 1962 to 1964 recall any stories and information about Capt. Cummings?
(new 10-18-04)
 

 

John B. Fox, MMCS(SS) 1964-1965

 

Michael Funk - Memories of Diodon - Crew of '63 & '64

 

Donald D. Garrett, Diodon Crew of May 1964 to Sept 1965

 

Mark Ivan Good

Mark Ivan Good passed away 4 Sept 2005
Sailor Rest Your Oar
 (New 04-03-06)

Mark I. Good qualified on Diodon in 1964
(new 02-19-05)

ETN3(SS) Chuck Haberman, Diodon Crew of 1964 to 1966

ETN3(SS) Chuck Haberman on 1964 to 1966 article coverage and WestPac 1965 to 1966
(new 12-22-03; new here 12-20-04)

Dave Haugland EN1(SS) 1962-1964
Patrick F. Householder, EM2(SS) 1964

 

 

TM Tom Knepper on Diodon 1963 through 1964
(new 12-09-03)

 

Philip Meek of Diodon 1960 to 1964 story and notice that he passed away in Spring 2003

May He Rest in Peace

Sailor rest your Oar

(New 12-13-03)

 

James F. McCarthy, TM2(SS) 1964-1965

 

D.L. " Mike " Michelson, crew of 1961-1964

Terry Notary on Diodon 1963 to 1966 looking for shipmates
(New 03-19-05)

ET Dick Pasnak. Rochester, NY rpasnak@tampabay.rr.com 

Need info
(new 11-21-03)
 

YN2(SS) Tom Pinkley, Diodon Crew of June 1964 to December 1964

 


 Finding George (David) Rogers 1960-1964

 

Herbert D. Smith, on Diodon 1963 to 1964

Engineman James A. Severson on Diodon July to November 1964
(new 01-02-04)

 
 

EM3(SS) Gary (Walt) Walters on Diodon twice from 1962 to 1966
(new 12-24-03)

 EMC(SS) Jim White of Diodon from October 1962 to October 1964
(new 08-08-03)
 

Photos

TM2(SS) Bill Kisllingbury's "Promotion photo 16 January 1964 San Diego. I remember the faces, but not the names. I’m way in the back, 2nd to the left of Cdr Cummings."
(new 10-04-04)

Jon Pinne worked with Ed Cummings in the Mid 1980s
Jon's comments on above photo
(new 10-08-04)

George Sawyer's photos from 1964
(Updated 03-29-05)

Diodon Skipper Richard Speer 1964 to 1966
Photos from Ensign to Commander and later
Updated 10-01-03 on the Passing of Richard Speer.

May He Rest in Peace.

May God have Mercy on his eternal Soul.

Diodon photos below, gotten from Atlantic Fleet Sales, owner Nobe Smith.

CC info, or ck to Atlantic Fleet Sales, Box 6202, Norfolk, Va 23508

http://www.atlanticfleetsales.com 

 

2/2/64 - aerial view, underway.

Above - 4671x2489 DPI Long Loading
 


1024x 546 faster loading
 


2048x1590 bow to aft of Sail enlargement