Monday 01/01/2001 7:23:44am

When I reported aboard 349, the crew soon found out: I had never been aboard any Submarine. They assigned me to the forward engine room with a guy by the name of Murphy. He didn't know of my lack of SS knowledge. But, when the horn sounded to dive, he thought I had just froze.

But, I didn't know what valve or switch to touch. The crew soon took me under their wing. You can bet Murphy did. I'll share the story on how I got on my first of four subs later, without attending sub school or ever being aboard one before. The year was 1951.

Next to the USS Archerfish in 1952... plank owner.

Next USS Rasher...plank owner.

Next and my last boat, the USS Cusk.

Today 7/18/01, I will be meeting two former Diodon shipmates for lunch and BS at Cookville, TN... Bob Gary and I served on the Diodon at different times but we both served together on the USS Cusk and have stayed close firiends over these last 45 years.

Comments:

1952, I qualified on the Diodon and then transfered to the USS Archerfish to put her in commission. I had never been on a Submarine when I came aboard the Diodon. And, was assigned to the forward engine room with engiman Murphy. When we dove, I didn't know what to do, so I just stood there. After Murphy got everything shut down, he came up to me and said don't you know a dam thing and I replied "have you ever flown a jet". The crew thought it was funny how I had got myself aboard and never been to school or aboard a Submarine before. Needless to say they got me qualified in short order. I couldn't have been with a better crew to learn about submarines. To the guys that were aboard in 1952, I give you a belated thanks. Someday, I will tell you how an eighteen year old kid from Missouri Ozarks got himself transferred to one of Americas finest Submarines.. Robbie