USS Diodon (SS-349) Shake-Down Cruise - December, 1949

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Since 08-03-02

By
ROGER G. SPINDLER

 This shake down cruise started in the first week of December 1949. It was a test and exercise, which started off the coast of San Diego, CA. to Acapulco, Mexico. The crew was informed this was the first test of a Guppy Snorkel Submarine under actual war conditions. The boat was to remain submerged day light hours and surface only at night.  This time period was picked for the calmer seas in December.  This was not to be the case.  The first couple of days went OK until the seas got rough.

In the snorkel mode, two engines running almost every time the valve on the snorkel tube closed due to the rough seas breaking over the snorkel tube, the atmosphere in the boat went from sea level to ten or twelve thousand feet.  There was a barometer mounted on the starboard bulkhead of the maneuvering room, graduated in feet above sea level. It was especially  tough on those that had sinus problems.  We ran on battery as much as possible.

It has been over fifty years and my memories not so good. Submerged under snorkel conditions, at flank speed, we obtained a speed, “As I remember” of twenty-three knots. The boat vibrated / shook  badly, and had to reduce the speed to eighteen knots.  During day light hours there was not much activity in the boat. However after dark, running on the surface the boat came alive. 

There was two poker games going in the mess hall of which I had a seat in one of them. For once I came out a winner and had spending money for our R and R in Acapulco. I don’t remember who won the anchor pool but I remember the actual time was missed by just a few minutes. 

The Mexicans furnished us an anchorage a couple hundred yards off the Town’s square and furnished us with water taxi service. We had great R and R.  The return trip was uneventful. I believe we ran the entire trip back to San Diego on the surface. 

I can say this: that running under snorkel was very demanding, and tough on the human body. Not only the quick changes in the atmosphere but also the noise. As a reward each crew member received a Certificate “Royal Order of the GUPPY” A copy of my certificate can be seen under Roger G. Spindler – Crew of 1946-1949, in the Memories & Stories -  column.

I never heard much about the Snorkel Tubes after this, I am guessing they were phased out as not practical .

Yes! The entire crew made it back to San Diego with all their booties from Acapulco, safe and sound.