USS Burrfish SS 312
The USS Burrfish SS 312 was a Balao-class submarine that was originally launched on June 18th, 1943 from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine and was sponsored by a Miss Jane Elizabeth Davis who was the daughter of Senator James J. Davis from Pennsylvania. The newly constructed submarine was officially commissioned on September 13th, 1943 under the leadership of Commander William B. Perkins, Jr. Following intense trials and operational training exercises, the USS Burrfish was finally ready for action and proceeded to Pearl Harbor.
During the time between February 2nd, 1944 and May 13th, 1945 the USS Burrfish completed a total of six war patrols where she was successfully credited with sinking a five thousand eight hundred ninety four ton Japanese tanker. Her regions of operation included the areas from the Western Caroline Islands to Formosa as well as the waters of South Japan. At one point the Burrfish also rendezvoused with the Ronquil SS 396 and participated in the take down of a two hundred ton enemy patrol vessel. While on her third patrol, the Burrfish accomplished multiple special operations missions such as conducting reconnaissance of the beaches of Palau and Yap where pre-landing preparations were being set.
She arrived at Pearl Harbor after her final war patrol on May 13th, 1945 and on May 16th she received orders to head back to the mainland of the United States for a major overhaul. She arrived at Portsmouth Navy Yard on June 19, 1945. She then reported to New London, Connecticut on October 12th, 1945 where she was placed out of commission and into reserve on October 10th, 1946. On November 2nd, 1948 she was re-commissioned and was converted into a radar picket submarine.
On February 7th, 1950 she was assigned to the Submarine Squadron 6 out of Norfolk, Virginia and between then and 1956 she successfully completed three tours of duty with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. She was decommissioned for the last time on May 11th, 1961 and given to the Canadian Government on loan to the Royal Canadian Navy. She was returned to U. S. Navy custody and officially struck from the Naval Vessel Registry on July 19th, 1969 when she was sunk as a target on the same day. The USS Burrfish SS 312 was awarded five battle stars for her honorable service during World War II.
The USS Burrfish SS 312 and her crew faced many dangers during their service, but unfortunately the sailors faced a danger they were unaware of at the time. Their submarine had been constructed with asbestos used as an insulator around many of its pipes and installations. We now know that workers exposed to asbestos are at risk for the development of lung and breathing problems including a type of asbestos cancer called mesothelioma. Veterans who have reason to believe they may have come in contact with asbestos while aboard the USS Burrfish SS 312 or other submarine should go to see a physician for an evaluation.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
