PING)))) Honoring Navy Black History

February 2013

Issue No. Twenty-Five

Honoring Black History Month

Black Submariners

in the United States Navy

In observance of Black History Month we are presenting an article that has appeared in two previous issues of The Klaxon. This article is a review of a book written by Mr. Glenn Knoblock that chronicles the history of African Americans in the U.S. Submarine service. Throughout February, Black History Month, the museum is making several postings on our Facebook page honoring black submariners using material from Mr.

Knoblock's book.

This work documents the service of Black submariners from World War II through the Cold War, but importantly begins with a brief treatise on Black sailors' service prior to World War II.

Read on...

February Lost Submarines

barbel

USS BARBEL (SS-316) departed Fremantle, Australia, for her fourth war patrol on 5 January 1945; she was bound for the South China Sea. Eight days later she teamed up with USS BLUEGILL (SS-242) and USS BREAM (SS-243) to cover the western approaches to the Balabac Strait, which links the South China Sea with the Sulu Sea, and the southern end of the nearby Palawan Passage. Two weeks later she was joined by USS PERCH (SS-313) and USS GABILAN (SS-252). On 3 February BARBEL sent a message to GABILAN, USS TUNA (SS-203), and USS BLACKFIN (SS-322) stating that she had been bombed by enemy aircraft three times that day and would transmit again the following night with more information. But no transmission came.

Read On...

Hours of Operation

Winter Hours

November 1 - April 30

9am - 5pm daily

9am - 4pm daily

Closed Tuesday

Greetings from frozen New England!

As January with its combination of brutal cold coupled with an occasional thaw gives way to February and Groundhog day we all start to look forward to spring. But, as Punxatawney Phil usually does, we all really do see our shadow and acknowledge that there really are still 6 more weeks of winter. Oh well...

We join Americans everywhere this month in observance of Black History Month. "Black Submariners in the United States Navy, 1949 - 1975" written in 2005 by Mr. Glenn A. Knoblock remains the principal authoritative work documenting the history of Blacks serving in the United States Submarine Force. We have published a review of this book in past issues of The Klaxon and are providing that review for our readers of this issue of PING. This book is recommended for any student of submarine history interested in rounding out their knowledge of the silent service and in particular learning more about the brave service of African American sailors in defense of the United States of America.

This month we are continuing to remember submarines and crews lost during the current month. For February there are five boats: USS BARBEL (SS 316), USS SHARK (SS174), USS AMBERJACK (SS219), USS GRAYBACK (SS208), and CS Hunley. While Hunley was obviously not a United States submarine, she and her crew were American and Hunley is unique in submarine history, being the first submarine to sink another ship in combat. Submarine losses in the month of February resulted in the loss of a total of 322 brave men.

The Brick Paver project continues, so if you have not already done so take advantage of this opportunity to honor or memorialize a submariner through the purchase of a commemorative brick paver at the Submarine Force Library & Museum. We are continuing to take orders for pavers and installation of pavers at the museum will resume in the spring when the ground thaws. Get yours now.

Remember, we're open year round...come see us soon."

Sincerely,

Mike Riegel

Executive Director

Submarine Force Library and Museum Association

Black History-Navy History-Our History

One Crystal Lake Rd.

Groton, Ct 06340

800.343.0079