USS Diodon (SS-349) History

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DIODON was occupied on local fleet training exercises in San Diego area during the first three mouths of 1956. In March, her crew gained the distinction of being one of the few crews to be paid while on the bottom of the sea. During a submarine search and rescue exercise, a Navy paymaster descended via submarine escape bell and a payday aboard DIODON at a time when DIODON was resting on the ocean bottom, 130 feet below the surface.

In April 1956, DIODON departed the San Diego area for a training cruise in the Puget Sound area. During her two-month stay, she provided services to naval aviation units, surface craft and units of the Royal Canadian Navy. She also made calls on the Washington ports of Seattle, Tacoma, Port Angeles, Bellingham, and the Canadian port of Victoria, British Columbia.

Upon return to San Diego in May, DIODON operated on local training exercises.

In October, DIODON entered San Francisco Naval Shipyard for battery overhaul. Upon completion of her battery overhaul in November, DIODON departed the West Coast - for a tour of duty in the Western Pacific.

While in WESTPAC, DIODON operated extensively with the SEVENTH Fleet an took part in Operation BEACON HILL, the largest amphibious exercise since World War II. Though primarily operating from Yokosuka, Japan, DIODON made visits to Nagoya, Japan; Hong Kong, and Subic Bay, R. P.

Memories and Shipmates

Gerald W. Jones - Diodon Shipmate from 1953 to 1956
(new 04-13-03)

HMC(SS) Gayrie G. Hall on Diodon 1956 and 1957
(new 10-22-04)

Dick Helleberg - Diodon shipmate 1955 to 1956
(New 07-01-07)

Photos

EMC(SS) Watson Courtney's Photos from 1956 and 1957
Courtesy of his son, Les Courtney

USS Diodon (SS-349) West Pac 1956-1957 Photo Slide Album of Don Messner

USS Diodon (SS-349) West Pac 1956 - 1957 Photos from Don Messner
(updated 04-13-03)