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Blenny
(SS-324) was launched 9 April 1944 by Electric Boat Co.,
Groton, Conn.; sponsored by Miss Florence King, daughter of
Admiral E. J. King; commissioned 27 July 1944, Lieutenant
Commander W. H. Hazzard in command; and reported to the
Pacific Fleet.
Between 10 November 1944 and 14
August 1945 Blenny conducted four war patrols in the
Java and South China Seas. Blenny eight Japanese
vessels totaling 18,262 tons. In addition, she is credited
with destroying more than 62 miscellaneous Japanese small
craft by gunfire.
With the cessation of hostilities Blenny
returned to San Diego, arriving 5 September 1945. She
operated locally from the San Diego area during the
remainder of 1945. Between 1946 and 1951 Blenny made
one cruise to China (August-November 1946); participated in
a midshipman cruise to Canada; made two winter cruises in
Alaskan waters (1947-48 and 1948-49); and participated in
fleet maneuvers off Hawaii and local operations near San
Diego.
In 1951 Blenny underwent
conversion to a Guppy submarine and spent the remainder of
the year operating in the San Diego area. Between May and
November 1952 she cruised in the Far East during which time
she conducted a 35-day reconnaissance patrol in support of
the Korean operations. The boat spent 1953 conducting local
operations along the west coast.
On 24 May 1954 Blenny
reported to the Atlantic Fleet. Since that time she has
operated out of New London, Conn., and has participated in
Atlantic Fleet, NATO, and anti-submarine warfare exercises,
in addition to operating with a submarine development group
engaged in evaluating new equipment.
Blenny
received four battle stars for her World War II service.
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