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1945

The Cusk is launched and is put to sea for shake down trials

Click on any image to see its full size

Click here to see the Crewlist from 1945


Preparations for Launch 27 July 1945
Electric Boat Yard workers ready the Cusk for her launch the next day
(Photo courtesy of US Navy Submarine Force Museum)

Mrs. Gillette launches the Cusk with the words,

"I Christen thee, Cusk!"
28 July 1945
(Photo courtesy of Erik Newpher)


"Down the Ways, 28 July 1945"
The Cusk is launched from Ways #1 at Electric Boat
(Photo courtesy of Zeke Zellmer)

Sponsor, Mrs. Claude S. Gillette
(Photo courtesy of Erik Newpher)

First publicity photo
(Photo courtesy of Zeke Zellmer)


Commemorative Cachet "Cover" of the Cusk's launch
by Electric Boat Company, July 28, 1945

(Photo courtesy of Tom Roseland)

Cusk Co-Sponsors, Mrs. Reed and Mrs. Gillette
A historical "first" for the Cusk as normally there is only one sponsor elected
(Photo courtesy of US Navy Submarine Force Museum)

Unidentified men at Cusk's launch ceremony, probably Electric Boat executives and guests
(Photo courtesy of US Navy Submarine Force Museum)

Electric Boat
Commemorative Champagne Bottle
Engraved as follows:
"USS Cusk,
Launched July 28, 1945
Sponsor, Mrs. Claude S. Gillette
Co-Sponsor, Mrs. Walter G. Reed"
(Photo courtesy of Erik Newpher)

Ship's Sponsors
Mr. & Mrs. Walter G. Reed,
Mr. L. Y. Spear,
R. Adm. & Mrs. Claude S. Gillette
(Photo courtesy of Zeke Zellmer) 


Memo announcing ballot results for Cusk's sponsor and the arrival of PCO Paul Summers on 5 July 1945
EB Public Relations, 20 June 1945

(Photo courtesy of US Navy Submarine Force Museum)

24 July 1945 EB Memo announcing launch of Cusk and berthing assignment after Launch
(Photo courtesy of US Navy Submarine Force Museum)

Launch Ceremony Agenda and announcement of guest speaker, Chief Avner D Daughtery
(Photo courtesy of US Navy Submarine Force Museum)

Memo Certifying Cusk's Completion Percentage
by Electric Boat Company Production Department

(Photo courtesy of US Navy Submarine Force Museum)

First Crew Picture
Taken in New London
(Photo courtesy of Zeke Zellmer)

The Cusk in port, New London, Connecticut
(Photo courtesy of Zeke Zellmer)

USS Cusk outboard the USS Diodon (349)

New London, Connecticut, 1945
(Photo courtesy of Zeke Zellmer)


Officers & Chiefs
New London, Connecticut
(Photo courtesy of Zeke Zellmer)

 

Crewmembers who served aboard the Cusk in 1945:

Last Name First Name & MI City State Rank/Rate Years on Board Eternal Patrol Date Comments
Barlow Verne D Lilburn GA   45 - 46   Plankowner
Clairmont Raymond G Grand Rapids MI SA 45 December 2002 Plankowner
Grove Carl Gene North Point FL EM2(SS) 45 - 46   Plankowner
Herron Jack L Seal Beach CA MoMM3(SS) 45   Plankowner
Kirk Clyde Vernon Houston TX MOMMFN(SS) 45 - 46 28 February 2014 Plankowner
Kunkel  Leo Paul Jacksonville FL MOMM2(SS) 45 - 48 & 52 - 58 18 February 2015 Plankowner
McGinty  Merlin Clarence Murdock MN EM1(SS) 45 - 46 15 December 1999 Plankowner
Murray Earl A     SO2(SS) 45 - 53   Plankowner
Norrington   William Edward Los Alamitos CA LCDR 45 - 47 24 October 2010 Plankowner, 1st  Executive Officer
Shipman William "Bill" San Angelo TX HMC(SS) 45 - 47 1 February 1995 Plankowner
Shrum Wesley Monroe Merced CA SA(SS) 45 - 46 21 September 2018 Plankowner
Thomas, Jr. Frank Lincoln Houston TX LT 45 - 47 12 February 2010 Plankowner
Wanner Vance R Houston TX LT 45 - 48 12 May 1977 Plankowner
Williamson Phillip Longhurst Paulsboro NJ TM1(SS) 45 - 46

5 July 2017

Plankowner

If you have any information, pictures, history, or crewmember names/information from the Cusk in 1945 (or any year), please contact the Cusk Webmaster.  Thanks!

 


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 All information and pictures herein were contributed by, and are the property of crewmembers of the USS Cusk.  It is intended solely for your enjoyment and education, and for preserving the memory and history of this great ship.  If you take anything or make copies, please give proper credit.  Your questions and comments are welcomed, as are any pictorial or historical contributions you might wish to donate or loan. 

Send an email to the USS Cusk webmaster at: USS Cusk Webmaster

This page was last updated: 01/11/19