USS Balao SS 285
The USS Balao SS 285 was a Balao-class submarine that was originally launched on October 27th, 1942 from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine and was sponsored by a Mrs. Theodore C. Aylward who was the wife of Lieutenant Commander Aylward. The sub was officially commissioned on February 4th, 1943 under the command of Lieutenant Commander Richard H. Crane. Following six intense weeks of training off the coast of New London, Connecticut the submarine was ready for action and set out for the Pacific joining her comrades of the U. S. Navy 7th fleet at Brisbane, Australia arriving on July 10th, 1943.
On July 25th of that same year she set out on her first ever war patrol where she cruised the waters between Truk and the Bismarck Archipelago and while making multiple enemy contact during that fist patrol, there were no aggressive actions taken. During her second patrol on October 17th she encountered a convoy of Japanese enemy cargo ships and took her firing positions. She shot off six torpedoes while making tactical maneuvers to avoid the counter attack of the ships above water dropping depth charges. The Balao escaped the retaliation unharmed and prepared for another attack run on the remaining convoy ships. On October 23rd, she joined with another American submarine the USS Silverside and prepared to initiate their final destructive blow on the seven vessel convoy. They fired ten torpedoes at three of the ships and scored six hits but when the counterattack came, the Balao was forced to dive to escape the vengeful aggression in response. She headed back to her home port for refitting and repairs.
The USS Balao SS 285 was officially decommissioned on July 11th, 1963 and on September 6th, 1963 she participated and was utilized as a mock opponent during a target practice training exercise. She was sunk off the eastern coast of the U. S. within the waters near Charleston, South Carolina. Her periscope and conning tower were recovered and are now on display on the waterfront at the Navy Memorial Museum at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington D. C. The USS Balao SS 285 was honorably awarded nine battle stars for service during World War II.
At a time when the USS Balao SS 285 was built in 1942, when the dangers of asbestos were not well known and it was used extensively as an insulator in the construction of the vessel. Crewmen were therefore exposed to a dangerous material without their knowledge. Asbestos is now known to increase the risk of mesothelioma and other respiratory problems in people who work near it. Asbestos fibers were often used internally within the insulation surrounding piping systems and various types of ducts constructed inside the submarine. Any crewmembers who served aboard the USS Balao SS 285 during that time period who may have been exposed to asbestos while aboard the Balao or in another similar submarine should see a respiratory physician for evaluation immediately to consider beginning mesothelioma cancer treatment.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
