Diodon Commissioning Crew - loading the first torpedo at Newport, Road Island, in 1946

Photo provided by Don Boberick

Loading torpedoes (water slugs?). CTM H.R. Wilson is supervising at photo right. This appears to be loading into the After Torpedo Room.

Note the bare metal finish of the torpedo being loaded. It appears to be a practice torpedo, since a real warheaded "fish" would be coated with a tacky black shellac.

Note AA gun on sail, visible upper left and mast top Radar antenna.

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Updated with below text on 04-26-05

From: Jeff McCracken <jeffreysmc@adelphia.net>
Sent: Apr 26, 2005 2:38 PM
Subject: When you were offline (via Bravenet HumanClick)

Dear Mr. Santos, I was trying to find a little info on the sub my Dad was on, which was the Diodon. I came to your website and also the navsource website that had some of your photos on it. I found my Dad's name on the list of the Commissioning Crew (Deck Ape). What I was wanting to know is, do you know who the 2 guys are that are loading the first torpedo onboard. Your website has the officer's name but not the 2 enlisted guys. The guy on the left sure looks a lot like Dad. If you have any idea, please let me know. Thanks. And thanks for having the neat website. I'll be spending some time there. Oh, Dad (John W. McCracken, Jr.) passed away, way too young, in August of 1987 a month shy of 62. Thanks.
Jeff McCracken

_______________________________
The above message was sent when you were offline, via your HumanClicked site.

From: "Jeffrey S. McCracken"
Sent: Apr 26, 2005 2:56 PM
Subject: Photo Info

Hello Mr. Santos. I sent you a "human click" message but in case that didn't work I'll email you here also. Forgive me if you get duplicates. My Dad, John W. McCracken, Jr., was on the Commissioning Crew of the Diodon. Unfortunately, he passed away at almost age 62 in August of 1987. I was browsing your website, trying to find out some info on my Dad's sub. I found the photo of the "First Torpedo" being loaded on the Diodon in 1946 and noticed the enlisted guy on the left sure looks a lot like Dad. I checked with Mom and she checked his discharge papers (November 1947) and sure enough, he was a Torpedoman. Do you know who those guys are? Your website has the name of the Officer but that was all. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot and thanks for the informative website. I'll be spending some time there. Take care.

Sincerely,
Jeff McCracken

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