Since 09-11-02
Since 09-11-02
USS
DIODON SS-349
Before I put my foot in my mouth I spent a few hours going over this excellent, well put together Web Page.
My tour of duty abroad the USS Diodon was 1949, a bit over 50 years have past and memories get clouded. Before that I was on the USS Blower SS-325 the old fleet type, deck guns and all. I was just a bit disappointed there was no mention of the USS Blower. I found no mention of the USS DIODON SS-349 being the first United States boat built from the keel up as a "Guppy Snorkel" boat.
That is what I was told when I signed aboard. It was slim an trim compared to the old World War II boats. Tied up with the other boats she sure stuck out. There was a picture of the old USS SPERRY but no mention of same. The USS Sperry anchored off the foot of Broadway, San Diego, CA.
"YES" the Sperry was mother to the boats, or better known as
"SUB TENDER". I did not run across the word
"Snorkel" any place, it is possible that the snorkel tubes
were removed. More on that in my story of the December 1949 "Guppy
Snorkle" Shake Down Cruise" of which started
from San Diego, CA. to Acapulco, Mexico.