USS Diodon (SS-349) History

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What was the name of the kid that stole a tug from the tug port and pulled Diodon away from the pier
(New 09-07-06)

On Saturday, November 10, 1962, the Volador and the DIODON were at the San Francisco Naval Shipyards Hunters Point.

Both had been in the yards for overhaul (the Volador a major FRAM job). Both were about 90-95 percent completed and ready for sea when the pier caught fire. Both Volador and Diodon got away from the pier, I think that a tug moved Diodon.

The Volador had been working on the cubicles in maneuvering Room and before she could get away from the pier the flames were going over the bow of Volador and a Torpedoman by the name of James Rainey ran through the flames and threw # 1 line. He later received a medal for this. The Volador had to be re-painted on the one side.

The following update was found by your Historian and Web-Master on in an internet search for "USS Diodon" on 12-06-03: 

During the summer of 1962, RONQUIL made a port visit to Santa Barbara. After taking part in a demonstration of antisubmarine operations for the national radio and television networks, RONQUIL entered Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in September 1962 for an extensive overhall.

During this overhall, the Stepped GUPPY Sail was replaced with the fiberglass High Sail. All of the decking aft of the sail was replaced with the "clamshell" fiberglass decking. Main Ballast Tank #7 was converted to spare parts storage area with a small access hatch in the deck of the After Torpedo Room. RONQUIL was one of the first boats in the fleet to have the Floating Wire Antenna and Edo Fairing on the 8B (number1) periscope installed. The Edo Fairing reduced the periscope’s (feather) wake at high speeds when submerged. It could be raised or lowered independently of the periscope.

During the overhall, the USS Diodon SS-349 was moored to a pier that caught fire. When the alarm sounded, the RONQUIL’s duty section ran down to the pier where the Diodon was located and cast off the mooring lines, but the shore power was still hooked up. One of the RONQUIL Crew grabbed a fire ax and chopped through the shore power cable while it was still hot. Others picked up the Diodon’s periscope that was laying on the pier and carried it to safety. Skipper Gene GAUTHIER commented "he was especially proud of RONQUIL’s Crew that night". The Diodon was safe & the pier was completely destroyed.

  Memories and Shipmates

Tom Adams, IC2(SS) 1962 - 1963
 

(link to his site  updated 08-21-03)
 

CS Skip McBratney, Ocean Park, WA skipdot@willapabay.org 
Need info
(new 11-20-03)

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

Cliff Wildca, Diodon Crew of Nov. 1959 to Oct. 1962

Photos