Corny-- What a great site! Congratulations to both you and
Pig for puting all this together and keeping it up to date. I can
only guess at the time and effort you have put into the research
done here. I am very proud to have been even a very small part of
the history of Archerfish. Great crew, great time. My very best
to all my "old" ship mates. Pig-- Still working with
the Maritime Museum in San Francisco to recover a few items from
the Archerfish, donated many years ago. eg. placard from the
emergency rescue buoy, Whiskey Jacks commissioning pennant from
his change of command, log book covers etc. Will keep you
informed of my very slow progress. Great Blast, always enjoyable
reading.
Allen Vaughan
Westwood, CA USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 12:58:20 (CST)
Very honored to have the opportunity to visit your web page
on the anniversary of the sinking of the Shinano.
Gorden Russell
Syracuse , NY USA - Friday, November 29, 2002 at 16:21:24 (CST)
My grandpa served on the Archerfish, and I was just looking
around for photographs or stories of him for my mom and my
grandma. His name was Frank Stankevits, if any of you remember
him and have pictures or stories, I would greatly appreciate
them. Thank you.
Chris Noll
Tacoma, WA USA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 21:06:25 (CST)
WONDERFUL, just wonderful. I am really glad to have been a
member of the ARCHERFISH crew during Sea Scan. If any of the crew
remember me, and want to talk, please do. Thanks again for a
great website. You sure can be proud of your work.
FRANK GEER
CLAYTON, WA USA - Friday, November 22, 2002 at 19:09:01 (CST)
The people who have died in battle and served in the army
are and always will be my heros and heroins for the rest of my
life i have always been brought up this way and my kids will be
raised in this way I cant tell you how much i appreciate you for
dieing and risking your lives so we have a free country to live
in.
amanda hench
Silver Lake, In united states of america - Monday, November 11,
2002 at 14:59:01 (CST)
Thanks to the Great WWII Generation. I will not forget your
service & sacrifice. The sign said, "NAVY, Not Just a
Job, but an Adventure". They were not kidding. I served on
board the USS Archerfish (SSN-678) from 1989-1992. Missed out on
the gulf war but gained a different perspective on life after
surving 50 ft seas coming out of Long Island sound during
huricane Bob. 12 hour surface transit in the ultimate barrel
ride. Praise God for HY-80 steel, the fine engineers at EB, and
the fitters and riggers who put it together.
Carl Bost
St. Louis, MO USA - Saturday, October 19, 2002 at 01:11:27 (CDT)
Great trip through time. Terrific Web. Although I was
Surface, I admire those of you who "Served in Silence"
Thanks...
Robert MacKenzie HTC
USNR-Ret.
Parkville, Md USA - Friday, October 18, 2002 at 21:46:55 (CDT)
I am the youngest of four sons to Martin T. Lafferty who
served on the Archerfish from 1958-62. He pased on 19 August 1996
whil I was at Fort Bragg, NC preparing to be an officer in the
United States Army. He was the best dad a son could want or ever
have. I miss him dearly. He was a father, a friend, a mentor, and
the best role model I will ever have. I would appreciate if any
of his old crew mates could forward me any pictures you migh have
of my have of my father. Thank you and for the service you and
men like father did for your country. God Bless America and its
Veterans! Fair Winds and Following Seas! CPT Jason M. Lafferty
USA Infantry, Schofield Barracks, HI
Jason M Lafferty
Mililani, HI USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 01:29:33 (CDT)
Great site. I found several of my old Atule shipmates.
Thanks DBF J Rupertus FT
JohnF Rupertus
Pasadena, MD USA - Tuesday, October 01, 2002 at 00:21:54 (CDT)
Thanks for the tour .. shall be back. You have a wonderful
site and lots of information on your Ship. Feel free to visit our
site .. we welcome new friends. Pat
Pat <>http://www.geocities.com/Globe_Writer/
Center of Wa., WA USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 22:39:22
(CDT)
Thanks for a grand tour. I am the historian of the USS
Greenfish (SS-351) and am looking for those who knew Davis E.
Bunting who was a Lt. on Archerfish 1943-1944. Bunting took
command of Greenfish in 1953.
Jim Kyser
Half Moon Bay, CA USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 22:20:55
(CDT)
I salute the bravery of those who served the USS
Archerfish.
J Mark Gidley
McLean, VA USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 15:31:05 (CDT)
Hello my name is Cisco. English language is my second
language . I visit sites like yours to learn new english
vocabulary words and improve my english grammar . I hope to have
effective communication and business communication for a new job
in US. I learned a new word of the day from your site. I plan to
be public speaking and business writing better now from your
site. Thank you.
Cisco
Bogota, Putumayo Colombia - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at
03:10:18 (CDT)
Congratulations on a great site a fiting tribute to a first
class fighting unit. I had the honour to visit USS ARCHERFISH in
Newcastle during 1967-68 keep up the good work.
Allan Moore
Penrith, NSW Australia - Wednesday, August 28, 2002 at 04:27:57
(CDT)
Served on USS Archerfish (SSN 678) as Weapons Department
Head from Apr 1975 - May 1977. The exploits and fame of the first
Archerfish were well documented on the nuclear version. A large
framed painting of the sinking of the Shinano was right around
the corner from the Conn. We carried on in the best traditions of
those who served before us. God Bless the WWII vets who paved the
way for us.
Bob Fritz
Oakton, VA USA - Monday, August 26, 2002 at 09:07:40 (CDT)
FIRST VISIT GREAT
McCULLEY, Robert W.
USA - Thursday, August 22, 2002 at 21:55:17 (CDT)
Stumbled across you page via, your listed high in google.
Cool Stuff!
Sandy
Washington, DC USA - Sunday, August 18, 2002 at 23:55:18 (CDT)
My uncle was Capt. J.F. Enright Sr. who commanded the USS
Archerfish when she sunk the Shinano. Uncle Joe was loved and
admired by his entire family and a man of great statue and
courage. If ever there was the prototype for the "Stand Up
Guy" it was Uncle Joe. I sure his shipmates could tell you
many stories of Capt. Joe's Irish wit and humor, But make no
mistake whe he was on the bridge there was nerver any doubt who
was in command. The Enrights are a millitary family through and
through as Joe's son Joe Jr. was a West Point graduate and his
Grandson Mike went to "THE Academy"and Grandaughter
Chrissie married a Navy helo pilot. I have always been proud to
say Joe Enright was my uncle but even prouder to have known,
respected and loved him. I did not get a chance in later years to
say "good bye Uncle Joe" but now you have given me the
chance . Thanks Good Bye Uncle Joe" God's speed Robert(BOB)
Howell
Robert A. Howell
Upper Darby, PA USA - Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at 14:19:04
(CDT)
Hello Guys! I just write to say congrats to all archerfish
sailors and staff. I have readed an article regardless to
"The Shinano and the archerfish" in a Selecciones
Reader's Digest, and I've got impressioned with that I would like
you can write me Thanks and Regards from Northern Mexico!
Jose Lopez
Torreon, Coahuila MExico - Tuesday, August 06, 2002 at 13:32:27
(CDT)
Where is the Archerfish now? Has it been scrapped or made
into a museum?
David M. Blumberg
Jacksonville, Fl USA - Sunday, August 04, 2002 at 09:16:13 (CDT)
Nice Job
Anne Dewar
Newton, MA USA - Wednesday, July 31, 2002 at 14:58:46 (CDT)
Greetings to you and your guests. Love what you’ve
done with your site. As an educator I can say you have great
communication skills.
Catherine
La Mesa, Ca US - Monday, July 15, 2002 at 23:12:31 (CDT)
I wish I did what you do instead of making piano benches.
Your site looks great.
Cynthia
San Diego, Ca US - Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at 01:58:51 (CDT)
My father, Sigmund Bobczynski was XO of the Archerfish at
the time of the sinking of the Shanano. We have some information
regarding the sinking and have read the book authored by Capt.
Enright. We would love to hear from any shipmates of Bobo's or
anyone who may have stories of the Archerfish when my father
served. Sigmund has seven surviving childern in the San Diego and
San Fransicso area and we would be greatful for any information
that you may have. Please also send any responses to my brother
in law as well...... tdaggett@tannerins.com. Mary Jollon
Mary Bobczynski Jollon
Poway, Ca. USA - Saturday, July 06, 2002 at 21:59:06 (CDT)
'Shinano' is an outstanding book and well worth reading!!
Kevin B. Atkinson
Roanoke, Va USA - Monday, June 24, 2002 at 13:04:01 (CDT)
At a memorial recently for sub vets I was surprised and
pleased to be visited by 2 shipmates from the second
commisioning. Charlie Brock and Don Erdman showed up at my house
and joined me at the ceremony where 2 other ex Archerfish crew
mwmbers were present and a photo of all of us is in the
wonderfully written magazine written by Ken Henry. We relieved
some very good times we had togeather as ship mates on a
wonderful boat. Memories like these are priceless and last
forever. Love this site,
JIM MONTE
HOLIDAY, FL USA - Monday, June 17, 2002 at 10:44:18 (CDT)
I work with an old HS buddy, Mahlon Downward, who was a
crewmember of the Archerfish in the early 60s and our sea story
sessions (I was aboard the America-CVA 66 at the same time, about
as different from subs as you can get I guess) led me to check
this site out. Very interesting and VERY well done! Nice job!
Ed Mizanoski
Bolivar, OH USA - Saturday, June 15, 2002 at 09:03:22 (CDT)
My name is SFC. Howard of the US Army and I met a member of
the WWII Archer-Fish crew today. It seem that your Billy G.
Nelson TM3C is still around. He is currently at the Sunbridge
Lodge Nursing Home in McAlester Oklahoma. He is still well aware
of his tours aboard the Archer-Fish (311) and I looked up a
little information for him to look through. I also noticed his
name on the "Eternal Patrol" list. I think we need to
update that in his sake. The number to the Lodge is 918-423-6011.
Unfortunately Mr. Nelson is wheel-chair bound (after have lost a
leg to illness) and cannot attend any of the Archer-Fish
reunions. I believe it would be very motivating for him to
receive a phone call from an old shipmate. See? Even us Army guys
are looking out for older sailors. Thank you for all of your
service and hardships for the freedom of our country. Randall E.
Howard SFC, USA
Randall E. Howard
McAlester, Ok USA - Friday, June 14, 2002 at 22:54:19 (CDT)
I did not have any family or relatives that served aboard
subs but I always had a fascination for WWII submarines. The
history and how things worked on a WWII submarine. People on
those submarines had to really interact and know their boat real
well. I like to salute all WWII submarines that are still alive
and also the ones on eternal patrol!
William Butterfield
Martinez, GA USA - Monday, June 10, 2002 at 01:08:29 (CDT)
My name is Edmund Marco and it's a pleasure to sign your
guest book. I work for an advertising agency in London. Our
agency represents direct marketing companies that are involved in
the marketing of products as seen on TV in England. Most of the
infomercial products come from the U.S. but then again we export
our talents as well. My brother has appeared in infomercials in
the U.S. advertising various products. I think it's hilarious
that English people respond so well to American products while
Americans tend to respond well to sales people who have an
English accent!
Edmund
London, Kent England - Thursday, May 30, 2002 at 23:56:32 (CDT)
I am the daughter of George D. Wheeler, Jr., also known as
Dewey. He will be attending the sub reunion this year and I know
that he will enjoy everything. I had the honor and privilege of
visiting the USS ARIZONA memorial, the sub museum, etc., while I
was in Hawaii in 1999. Again, I hope everyone at the reunion has
a good time. Thanks.
Gail E. Hayden (maiden name
- Wheeler)
San Diego, CA USA - Saturday, May 25, 2002 at 10:53:53 (CDT)
I am the second son of George D. Wheeler Jr. My dad is
planning on going to his ships reunion again this year. He talks
of the times he was on the Archerfish all the time. My dad will
be by himself this year though as we lost our mother this past
March. Please show my dad a good time. He really needs it right
now. Thank you
Thomas E. Wheeler
Vacaville, Ca USA - Tuesday, May 21, 2002 at 09:04:41 (CDT)
My uncle, Harry R. Compton was a crewmember [Electrician]
on the Archerfish in the early years of WWII. I was hoping that
someone at this site would remember him and communicate with me.
AL Ricks
Vero Beach, FL USA - Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 15:45:48 (CDT)
J'ai eu la chance de ne pas avoir eu a faire la guerre
Histoire de dire que je remercie l'equipage de l'Uss 311
Archerfish et son captain Enright..... De tout ce qu'ils ont fait
pour nous ....... God bless America !!!!!!!!!
Bonnet Frederic
Perpignan, France - Thursday, May 02, 2002 at 13:55:15 (CDT)
Excellent web site. I would like to take this time and
thank all of you who served with my father, Joe David Forrest. He
has many wonderful stories and is an exceptional mentor. Of
course some of the stories I could not appreiate till I was old
enough. Timothy David Forrest CPT, EN US Army Charlotte, NC
Tim Forrest
Charlote, NC USA - Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 15:32:37 (CDT)
This ship was in our port(Wellington, New Zealand) back
about 1967-68 (if memory serves), I remember having a great three
days with about four of the crew who came skiing with our group
of about twenty five teenage yahoo's who were more interested in
slurps than slopes ! I can not remember any of their names just
that we all got on great,(tho the sailors were 5-10 years older
than us) I do remember the only song they seemed to know was
"the house of the rising sun" by Eric Burdon. and I
could not score one of their cool pea-jackets with the neat
emblem. A great bunch of blokes, a credit to Uncle Sam. You guys
are likely in your late fifties-mid sixties so I hope this brings
back a good memory or two of NZ and those of us who would support
the USA in good times and bad.. best wishes John & Julia
Hawthorn.......
John Hawthorn
wellington, New Zealand - Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at 05:31:16
(CDT)
A peasure to read the site - it brings history to life
Richard Clemerson
Cheshnt, erts UK - Sunday, April 14, 2002 at 10:48:39 (CDT)
Served aboard the boat that surpassed all others in
memory.Those years in Key West and the "Shellback"
cruise still stands out.Recieved my first copy of the news letter
and really enjoyed it.
Robert Rockefeller
Virginia Beach , va USA - Monday, April 08, 2002 at 13:17:06
(CDT)
WOW!!! My first trip to the Web Site. Well Done, Corny.
Michael F. Lintner
Boulder City, NV USA - Friday, March 29, 2002 at 17:19:07 (CST)
My father Martin T. Lafferty served on the USSArcherfish
from 3/59-5/62 at the rank of QM2 (ss). Growing up I remember
many stories he affectionately retold about he and his shipmates
and their various "adventures." My father finally made
it to one of the reunions down in New Orleans and said it was one
of the best things he ever did. He died on 08-19-96 of cancer. I
miss him more than words could ever describe....I am proud to say
he was my father and mentor and as I got older my friend and
confidant. I would love to hear from anyone in regards to any
stories etc....about my father, so I can keep his history,
memories, and legacy fresh in my families mind and
heart.....thank you for your anticipated input...... "a
loving son"
sean p. lafferty
woonsocket, RI USA - Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 23:42:54 (CST)
Anchors aweigh matey... USS ARCHERFISH--- what a great name
for a attack submarine... When i was just a wee barnacle i would
watch The Silent Service hosted by Philadelphia's own Ed Mcmahon
for Bond Bread... The claxon would sound dive---dive...dive and
take'er deep close and dog all waterproof doors and hatches. rig
for silent running... give me 45 degrees on the bow planes--- all
ahead full... Those were the days. Navy Log, Men of Annapolis,
don't see programing like that anymore... Here's to you NAVY...
and all of you Submariners--- and subchasers out there...
GREENARROW1
Oliver Queen
Seatle, wa USA - Monday, March 25, 2002 at 18:20:28 (CST)
Corny; A couple of things have changed since I sent my last
E-mail. I made a valiant effort to go onto a DSL Broadband
service, but after 3 weeks of screw-ups and delays, I told the
people to put their service where the sun doesn't shine, and so
here I am, back on adial up service. Please use my new address
above for future messages. Thanks much Joe Osier
"Greasy Joe"
Osier
Boise, ID USA - Monday, March 18, 2002 at 18:02:30 (CST)
Who would have thought Walt Disney would spark the interest
of a pre-teen to ride the USS Natalus at Disneyland, spark his
interest in submarines so much so to become glued to the T.V.
when shows "Run Silent Run Deep" and "Up
Periscope" would come on, and then later get to ride one of
the finest smoke-boats in the navy? I'm happy to have served
aboard the USS ARCHERFISH (1966-1968) and having been a part of
her decommissioning crew. Thanks shipmates for all the wonderful
memories. Yes, Mr. Disney, dreams can come true.
Ronn "Hollywood"
Broadway
Phoenix, AZ USA - Friday, March 15, 2002 at 10:07:43 (CST)
Served aboard the A-Fish proudly from commissiong , through
7 war patrols and left her in Mare Island April 1946 before she
was decommisioned. I went in as a 16 year kid in March 1942 and
came out 4 years later as a man. The best experience , the best
shipmates in the world. God bless them all and God bless America.
John Francis Potanovic
MoMM1/c USN
Yorktown Heights, NY USA - Thursday, March 14, 2002 at 15:30:07
(CST)
A great site. I visited USS Archerfish as a very young
junior recruit in the Royal Australian Navy during her port visit
to Fremantle, West Australia, in 1964 ( ... I think ! I may be
out by a year or so). I was much in awe of the submariner's
environment: so much so that I decided then & there to be an
aircraft mechanic, in so doing ensuring I'd never be posted to
such cramped confines or have to endure the terror of slipping
beneath the waves. A 23 year career in the RAN's Fleet Air Arm,
spent mostly working on Skyhawk attack jets, then followed,
during which I often wondered what happend to ' ... that Yank sub
I visited' so long ago. Now I know ... Congratulations on a
wonderful site; I'd recommend it to all for a visit.
Laurie Hillier
Sydney, NSW Australia - Monday, March 11, 2002 at 22:16:54 (CST)
A great site -- well done. In 1965 aboard USS Proteus in
Agana, Guam we noticed a lone diesel boat moored across from us.
Later we heard that the crew was made up of young unmarried men
which gave rise to all sort of rumors. Also shipmates of the USS
Bushnell are having a reunion this April 18 in Key West and would
like to invite any of you Subron 12 types down to enjoy it with
us. It will take place at the Key West Grand and a good time will
be had by all. Sherman McGee SK2 (1957-65)
Sherman McGee
<>http://pages.prodigy.net/sherman.mcgee/BurninBush.html
Lake Charles, LA USA - Sunday, March 03, 2002 at 16:57:58 (CST)
Some fill-ins/corr's for 2nd Commission Crew list: for
me"rcv'd fm USS Chopper SS342/Tran to:USS BURRFISH SSR 312
as CO." not Seadog
Stan McCord
Kilmarnock, Va USA - Saturday, March 02, 2002 at 11:21:32 (CST)
The Archerfish History Page (http://www.ussarcherfish.com/history.htm)and
Key West - Second Commission Sailing List (http://www.ussarcherfish.com/crew/keywest1.htm)
have been updated with new historical and crew information as of
2/28/02.
Webmaster <>http://www.ussarcherfish.com
Riverside, CA USA - Thursday, February 28, 2002 at 13:16:16 (CST)
Just finished reading the Archerfish History. I was very
disappointed to see the period 1954-1955 missing where Lt. Stan
McCord relieved Comdr Milo DesGrange as CO and the beginning of
her research employment. See my earlier comment. Stan McCord
Stan McCord
Kilmarnock, VA USA - Wednesday, February 27, 2002 at 13:34:22
(CST)
Hi all, boy this sure is a neat web site. I am very
impressed. I was Skipper for a short period during her Key West
tour. Only about 6 months but we made her first gravity survey
great circling down to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic and
return. 55 days stopped at Trinidad on return leg. I became a
shell back in an appropriate ceremony on the outbound leg and we
went under the equater on the return. This was 1955.. Good luck
all. Captain Stan
Stan McCord
Kilmarnock, VA 22482 USA - Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 15:46:37
(CST)
I should have done this years ago. I was on Operation Sea
Scan, Phases I & II. I've enjoyed the "Blast" ever
since Pig-Pen first started publishing, and have even sent in a
few articles over the years, but have never gotten into this
electronic stuff.
Joe Osier
Boise, Id USA - Thursday, February 21, 2002 at 07:37:20 (CST)
I was invited aboard the Archerfish during a TDY to Hawaii
in 1963-64. I had a cup of coffee and a piece of the best apple
pie that I can remember. I was definitely impressed with this
visit and have never forgot it. God Bless
Robert E. Bradley
Eagle River, AK USA - Tuesday, February 19, 2002 at 23:53:21
(CST)
Andy Stirling - Please contact me. I attempted to send you
an e-mail reply to the address listed in your Decklog entry below
but my mail is being "bounced" by the Verizon server.
I'd like to add you to the list of online Archerfish Shipmates.
Many of the Shipmates you sailed with in 60/61 are online.
Jerry Cornelison
Riverside, CA USA - Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 21:10:31 (CST)
Great web-site !! Brought back a lot of memories.
Andy (Stinger) Sterling
Mt Vernon, WA USA - Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 18:20:24 (CST)
Thanks to your website, your great website,I have had the
best damn screen saver going. USS Archerfish welcomes me every
morning and says goodbye everyday. The photo is one of the best I
have ever seen of a fleetboat. I have studied WWII boats for
years now and thankyou for the infor.\ I qualified in submarines
aboard HMCS Rainbow (ex-USS Argonaut 475) and spent 5 happy years
aboard. One of my shipmates was subutler (he is listed in your
notes). Keep it up, if anyone wants to chat use my email anytime.
Wayne King, LSRM2
(many years ago)
Calgary, Alta Canada - Saturday, February 09, 2002 at 12:23:34
(CST)
My special holiday is and will always be Memorial Day.
Thank God for our service men and women who fought in these wars
to protect the freedom of this great country of ours. My Dad and
I go back to Pearl every year, and we always visit the Sub
Base...and always leave with admiration of those men who were
part of the submarine force. Once again, thank you for protecting
our country.
David A. Szafranski
Soquel, CA USA - Thursday, February 07, 2002 at 14:37:40 (CST)
During March of'61 the Archerfish stoped in Pearl, being a
wild and single TM3SS I wanted to transfer aboard so bad. But was
told NO WAY IN HELL. Dam but I wanted to go with her.
Mike Emerson
Goose Creek, SC USA - Sunday, February 03, 2002 at 18:49:50 (CST)
Hello everyone. I'am the Grandson of Carl Wilken and wanted
to research more about the USS Archerfish. Thank you for the
wonderful website portraying the subs history. Thanks for the
knowledge that i have learned from reading this site. Thank you,
and God bless all the members of USS Archerfish SS-311
Jerry Wilken
sandusky, OH USA - Thursday, January 24, 2002 at 14:56:13 (CST)
A great web site, Jerry. You do good work. I was stationed
on Archerfish back in 57/58 and even though it wasn't during any
conflict, I was always awed by the history of the boat. We had a
great crew and had some great times. I was one of the Radiomen on
the boat and because of my communications skills/experience, I
immediately went to work for the CIA when I got out of the Navy.
It's been an interesting life and I owe it all to the Navy who
got me started in communications and made it a 35-year career.
People often wonder what makes a Submariner. I think it's all
about the love for a good challenge and the desire to take risk.
Cheers.
Bob Clark
Mountain Home, Ar. USA - Wednesday, January 23, 2002 at 12:53:48
(CST)
Ah,Key West, where did it go? Ah, Archerfish, where did it
go?
Roger Fitzgerald
Duvall, WA USA - Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 23:15:16 (CST)
I qualified on Sablefish at the time that Archerfish was
put back in commission for Sea Scan. At the time, they were
looking for all single guys for a round the world trip. I was a
short timer, so I didn't volunteer. However, there was an EN1,
"Red" Cunningham, who did. Now that I think back, it
was a mistake on my part. It was a great boat with a great
history.
John Longo
Denville, , N.J. USA - Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 12:50:22
(CST)
Just finished reading the story of Archerfish and the
torpedo attack on the Shinano. The facts in the story suggest to
me several questions. Has any naval historian, researcher or
member of the Archerfish attack crew other interested party
thought to see if any USN frogman missions into the drydock area
where Shinano was built ever occurred. It is concievable to me
that those in command of the COMPACSUB fleet where careful to
mask many missions and the details surrounding the establishment
of a mission due to trying to obscure ULTRA information all over
the Pacific for the entire duration of the war once ULTRA was in
the possession on naval intelligence in Hawaii. I suspect that it
was no coincidence that Archerfish was tasked to be in Area 5
(given the experience of her crew) coordinated with the sailing
of Shinano. I wondered if it is possible that we had an agent
aboard her as one shipyard civilian workers? Too far fetched an
idea I suppose. I am not a very well versed submariner by any
means as my experience in the USNR only consisted of a two year
active duty stint aboard a DE (1966-68) as an RD3. I ahve come
away from the whole story with one indelible impression garnered
from the facts as presented and that is "TEAMWORK" The
respect for the Captains leadership and the impeccable attention
to the training and skills of the crew especially the
coordination of tracking, "informed" gut instinct and
the technical skills of knowing intimately the subtleties of the
weapons system i.e. TDC etc. etc.-- Sharply honed skills over the
many other patrols postioned all for success. I am grateful for
the sacrifices of all those who served us during WWII especially
those of the "Silent Service" Sincerely, Bob Toran
Robert N. Toran
Walpole, MA USA - Wednesday, January 02, 2002 at 22:58:29 (CST)