USS Carbonero SS-337 (1944-1975)

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The USS Carbonero was named after a fish found in salt-water in the West Indies.  She was built by Electric Boat Company in 1944, and eventually launched on October 19th, 1944. She was sponsored by Mrs. S. S. Murray and put in commission on February 7th 1945. She was captained by Commander C. L. Murphy.

Action in World War II

She saw her first action starting on the 21st of March 1945, leaving from New London to serve in Key West with the Fleet Sonar School. At Balboa in the Canal Zone, she helped out with some torpedo exercises before finally making her way to Pearl Harbor on the 9th of May in 1945. From May 26th to July 8th of 1945, she participated in her first patrol near Formosa. Her main job during this patrol was to act as a lifeguard. She patrolled for downed aviators from strikes by carriers.

After this patrol, she was overhauled at Subic Bay. She was then deployed to the Gulf of Siam on the 4th of August in 1945. She managed much success off the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, sinking two junks, four schooners and two sampans. These vessels were what was left of a merchant fleet from Japan. This patrol came to an end because of the 15th of August cease-fire order. The USS Carbonero then sailed back to Subic Bay.

After the War

On the 22nd of September 1945, the Carbonero started operations on the west coast from Seattle, Washington. She then took part in a simulated war patrol that went from Seattle to the Far East. Her next assignment was to act as a control vessel for the guided missile program. This operation took place in Port Hueneme and San Diego, California. Here, in May of 1949, she received an overhaul so that she could launch missiles. She was also outfitted with a snorkel some time in 1951. She was now put into operation off the coast of Southern California and occasionally off the coast of Hawaii. She then was an integral part of the evaluation of the “Regulus” missile from 1952 to 1957.

On the 13th of May 1957, Pearl Harbor became her new home. In 1957, she participated in an Arctic familiarization cruise, and from 1958 to 1960 made her way to the Far East. She has also helped to train the militaries of the Republic of Japan and Korea. While training these forces, she has also been ordered to the ports of the Philippines and Japan.  The USS Carbonero was awarded one battle star for her service during the war. The designation of “successful” was attached to one of her patrols.

Asbestos in Navy Ships

Although an essential component of the naval fleet, especially throughout conflicts of the last century, submarines also pose a lasting health risk to soldiers serving on them. However, these risks extend beyond the inherent dangers that existed while operating the vessels during military conflicts. Unfortunately, products containing asbestos were also common aboard submarines because of the material’s high resistance to heat and fire. Despite its value as an insulator, asbestos fiber intake can lead to several serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, a devastating cancer without cure. Furthermore, the enclosed environment of submarines put servicemen at an even higher risk of exposure. Current and former military personnel who came into contact with or served on submarines should seek immediate medical attention in order to detect possible health consequences associated with asbestos exposure.

Reference:

Naval Historical Center

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