USS Threadfin (SS-410) original double-sided World War II submarine launching ‘tag.’ These were handed out to attendees of the sub’s launch at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in June 1944. Sized at approx 1 ¾ inches with an original 3 inch hanging string.

 

Balao Class Submarine: Originally named Sole, the name was changed on 24 September 1942. Laid down, 18 March 1944 at Portsmouth Navy Yard, Kittery, ME; Launched 26 June 1944; Commissioned Threadfin (SS-410) on 30 August 1944. Threadfin was awarded three battle stars for World War II service. Noted as sinking a total of three vessels in WW II with a total DWTonnage of approx 3,394. It is noted that on 10 Jan 1945 SS-410 was depth charged by several Japanese PC's. First close charges were received while running at 300 foot depth and caused serious leak in cross-connection piping between compensating line and motor cooling system in motor room. Bucket brigade kept water level in bilges below main motors. Boat went to bottom in 450 feet of water for remainder of attack and the ruptured line was blanked. No other damage was sustained. Ship remained on patrol. The sub was stationed out of Pearl and served three tours in the Pacific.

 

Decommissioned at Portsmouth again on 10 December 1952 for GUPPY IIA (snorkel) conversion. Re-Commissioned 7 August 1953. In the fall of 1959, Threadfin was rammed in the stern area while transiting the Suez Canal by the Greek merchant freighter Nickolas Michalis III. With damaged propeller, propeller shaft and a dented pressure hull, she required extensive repairs which were conducted in Malta. During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Threadfin was a participant in the quarantine and blockade. After successive years of operations in the Atlantic, Caribbean and deployments to the U. S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, she sailed for Izmir, Republic of Turkey and was Decommissioned on 18 August 1972 and transferred to Turkey the same day. Renamed and renumbered to TCG1 Inonu (S-346), she was Commissioned into the Turkish Submarine Forces.(Note: Turkish submarines named Inonu are after one of the battles of the Turkish War of Independence (1919 -1922). The Turkish Navy does not use the names of the the commanders, (Birinci or Ikindci), preceding Inonu - preferring TCG1 or TCG2). On 1 August 1953, Threadfin was struck from the U. S. Vessel Registry (NVR) and on the 18th, was permanently transferred to Turkey (sold). The submarine continued to serve in the Turkish Navy until Decommissioned on 11 August 1998 after 54 years of total service. Final Disposition and Fate are unknown. Researched by CTRC Donald J. Wagner, USN (Ret) for NavSource. Source: NavSource.org/archieves.