USS Jallao SS-368 (1944-1967)
The USS Jallao was built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She was launched on March 12, 1944 and commissioned July 8, 1944 with Lt. Comdr. J. B. Icenhower in command. The Jallao stayed around Manitowoc for her initial training, departing for Chicago on July 26. From Chicago she was destined for New Orleans via a floating dry dock down the Mississippi. The Jallao departed New Orleans on August 6, 1944. She then traveled through the Panama Canal to the Pacific finally arrived in Pearl Harbor on September 22, 1944.
Action in World War II
The Jallao did maneuvers around Hawaii. On October 9 she left to join the Pintado and the Atule for her first war patrol. The three ships became a coordinated attack group known as “Clarey’s Crushers.” The submarines were commanded to head the Battle for Leyte in October and were instructed to scout between the Philippines and Japan to cut off crippled Japanese vessels struggling home after the Battle of Cape Engano. The Jallao fired upon and sank the cruiser Tama on October 25. The Jallao continued scouting until November 28, returning to Majuro on December 10 from a successful maiden voyage.
On January 6, 1945, the Jallao sailed on her second war patrol. She discovered a five ship fleet in the Yellow Sea on March 5, 1945, though her periscope was damaged in the fighting from an enemy escort ramming her. She arrived in Midway on March 26 for repairs. The SS Jallao left Midway April 20, 1945, for her third war patrol her assignment guarding aircraft just off Marcus Island and Japan with a short jaunt to pick up five men in a raft and take them to Saipan. She arrived back in Pearl Harbor June 13, 1945.
She completed more training in the Marianas, sailed out of Guam July 31 and toured the Sea of Japan. On a final patrol she sank the freighter Timoko Maru on August 11, 1945. Four days later the war ended and she sailed to San Francisco. She was decommissioned September 30, 1945 and entered the Pacific Reserve Fleet.
After the War
The Jallao was recommissioned in December of 1953 and took part in many other training exercises in the Atlantic. Her home port was changed a few times to New London, New Halifax, Bermuda and a few other ports until she was decommissioned once again in 1967. The Jallao received four battle stars for World War II service.
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.
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