Abbreviated Jallao History
1943 to 1947  1953 to 1974

Compiled by Joel B. Parris

      

Radio Call Sign NKIV
November – Kilo – India – Victor

1940s

  • 29 September 1943 – Keel laid at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WS. Jallao was one of 28 boats built in Manitowoc (Balao Class).
  • 12 March 1944 – Jallao launched at Manitowoc shipyard and sponsored by Mrs. Oliver G. Kirk
  • 8 July 1944 – USS Jallao (SS-368) commissioned with Lt. Cmdr. J. B. Icenhower in command
  • July 1944 – sea trials in Lake Michigan
  • 26 July 1944 – departed for Chicago where she was loaded on a floating dry dock for the trip down the Mississippi to New Orleans
  • 6 August 1944 – departed New Orleans and steamed through the Panama Canal to the Pacific and arrived in Pearl Harbor 22 September 1944
  • 9 October 1944 – sailed for her first war patrol during World War II. Jallao operated with other submarines, Pintado (SS-387) and Atule (SS-403) in a coordinated attack group known as “Clarey’s Crushers”, and they were directed to take up scouting positions between the Philippines and Japan to cut off crippled Japanese ships returning home. On 25 October 1944 Jallao contacted damaged light cruiser, Tama, and attacked with seven torpedoes; three hit and sent the Japanese warship to the bottom.
  • 6 January 1945 – sailed for her second war patrol in the Yellow Sea. The decimated Japanese merchant marine ships offered few targets. However, she flushed a convoy 5 March. During the attack she had a close call when an enemy escort tried to ram Jallao and damaged her periscope. Two days later she sailed for Midway for repairs arriving 26 March.
  • 20 April 1945 – sailed for her third war patrol and was assigned aircraft lifeguard duty off Marcus Island. Responding to reports in the water north of the island 9 May, Jallao braved shore batteries to move in and pick up five men in a raft, delivering them safely to Saipan 12 May 1945. She then departed for the coast of Japan and more lifeguard duty as American heavy bombers stepped up their attacks on the home islands. She arrived at Pearl Harbor 13 June 1945.
  • 31 July 1945 – departed on fourth and final war patrol in the Sea of Japan. Jallao sank a 6,000 ton freighter 11 August 1945. Four days later, hostilities ended and Jallao sailed via Guam to San Francisco where she arrived 28 September 1945. The USS Jallao (SS-368) received four battle stars for World War II service.
  • 1 January 1947 – USS Jallao decommissioned at Mare Island, CA where she entered the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

LINK
For additional information on USS Jallao War History,
read National Archives World War II War Diaries,
“Other Operational Records and Histories“.

1950s

  • 1953 – USS Jallao came out of reserve to undergo a Guppy IIA conversion in which she was streamlined and equipped with snorkeling gear and new electric equipment.
  • 2 December 1953 – USS Jallao was recommissioned and LCDR J. W. Mercer took command.
  • 12 April 1954 – After shakedown in the San Diego area, USS Jallao departed for the East Coast, streaming via the Panama Canal to Norfolk to join Submarine Squadron 6.
  • 1954 – USS Jallao operated out of Halifax training with Canadian and American antisubmarine units.
  • In January and February 1955, she took part in fleet exercises in the Caribbean, returning to Norfolk 4 March.
  • 16 April 1955 – the USS Jallao had a collision off Cape Hatteras with destroyer USS H. J. Ellison. Repair work completed to conning tower and masts at Philadelphia Shipyard.
  • 5 July 1955 – USS Jallao’s home port changed to New London, CT, Submarine Squadron 2.
  • 3 August 1955 – LCDR J. W. Chapman took command of the USS Jallao.
  • 7 August 1955 – operated with British submarine HMS Alderney in joint exercise, “New Broom IV”
  • 9 November 1955 – USS Jallao was deployed to the 6th Fleet for naval operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Ports visited were: Lisbon, Portugal; Nice, France; Naples, Italy; Livorno, Italy; Monaco; Barcelona, Spain; and Republic of Malta.
  • 1956 – The Mediterranean cruise was extended for an additional 18,000 miles. Ports visited: Port Said, Egypt (23 Jan); Massawa, Eritrea (Ethiopia) (28 Jan); Djibouti, French Somaliland (31 Jan); Crossed Equator on surface (31 Jan); Lourenco Marques, Mozambique (14 Feb); Port Elizabeth, Union of South Africa (19 Feb). After rounding the Cape of Good Hope, the Jallao began the longest leg of the trip with a 4,400 mile voyage across the South Atlantic taking 21 days (mostly snorkeling). Additional ports visited were: Montevideo, Uruguay (13 Mar) (crossed the Equator snorkeling); LaGuaira, Venezuela (7 April)
  • 16 April 1956 – returned to homeport in New London. While coming up the Thames River, USS Jallao was boarded by Rear Admiral Frank Watkin (Commander of Atlantic Submarine Fleet). Upon arrival at the pier on the New London Submarine Base, the Jallao was greeted by hundreds of friends and family members. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Band was also present for the homecoming celebration. This five month cruise had several noteworthy accomplishments:
    • USS Jallao (SS 368) becomes the first US Navy submarine to transit the Suez Canal. Jallao would eventually go on to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, becoming the first submarine to circumnavigate Africa.
    • The Good-Will cruise of the USS Jallao covered 24,998 miles over a 159 day time period;
    • It was the “longest unassisted” cruise made by a submarine;
    • Visited 15 ports of call and 14 countries;
    • Received by 20,000 visitors when coming into Port Elizabeth, South Africa;
    • Received numerous onboard distinguished visitors in several countries;
    • Used 329,200 gallons of diesel fuel and 5,410 gallons of lube oil.
  • 1956 – Underwent a general overhaul and installation of updated equipment at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
  • January 1957 – resumed operational status in New London
  • February and March 1957 – conducted Springboard Operations (Caribbean). Ports of Call: St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda
  • 18 July 1957 – LCDR R. E. Jortberg took command of the Jallao.
  • July 1957 – conducted short midshipman training cruise
  • September and October 1957 – USS Jallao conducted North Atlantic NATO “STRICKBACK” exercise to help strengthen the armed forces of the Atlantic allies. Crossed the “Artic Circle”, crew qualified to enter “YE ROYAL ORDER OF THE BLUE NOSE”.  Returned to New London 24 October 1957
  • 23 July 1958 – LCDR E. H. Willet took command of the Jallao.
  • 1958 – Jallao spent most of the year on training exercises off the Atlantic coast and made a port visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia in May of that year. She took part in a combined antisubmarine exercise in the North Atlantic in September.
  • 1959 – spent largely in equipment development work and training with the Submarine School at New London

 

1960s

  • 20 January 1960 – Jallao got underway for exercises in the Caribbean, returning 19 February. The latter part of the year was spent in training out of Bermuda.
  • 18 April 1960 – R. H. Carnahan took command of the Jallao.
  • 9 January to 24 March 1961 – the veteran submarine carried out special training operations off Scotland, and operated with Canadian ships off Halifax, Nova Scotia during that summer. The remainder of the year was spent in the New London area.
  • 30 April 1961 – J. B. Mallard took command of the Jallao.
  • 1962 – Jallao began her second Mediterranean cruise, sailing 2 January and exercising with the vital 6th Fleet in the troubled area until 7 May. The last four months of the year were spent in extensive modernization and repairs at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
  • 3 July 1963 – LCDR F. J. Degnan took command of the Jallao.
  • 1963 and 1964 – the submarine took part in training cruises to the Caribbean, served in submarine school training, and participated in equipment evaluation work.
  • 3 January 1965 – she departed for a 4-month 6th Fleet deployment in the Mediterranean. Ports visited were: Rota, Spain; Republic of Malta; Naples, Italy; Piraeus, Greece; Malaga, Spain; Castellon, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; LaSpezia, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Augusta Bay, Sicily. Tragically, a Jallao crew member was fatally injured while disposing of signal flares on the turtle back of the submarine as they were tied up at the pier in Rota, Spain. While transiting through the Strait of Messina at night, the Jallao viewed a rare sight in the volcanic eruption of Mt. Etna. She returned 1 May for submarine warfare tactics and submarine school operations out of New London.
  • 9 July 1965 – CDR R. E. Green took command of the Jallao.
  • 1966 – Jallao spent extended time in homeport repairing the ESM/ECM masts which had to be removed and taken to the shop. Conducted training for Submarine School
  • 1966 – went to Philadelphia for new batteries and overhaul where Jallao was modernized with a North Atlantic sail
  • 1967 – Jallao deployed to the North Atlantic early in 1967 and performed many operations with other NATO submarines.
  • 14 August 1967 – CDR R. P. Coe took command. The change of command was conducted underway during deployment in the Mediterranean, while submerged, at the request of CDR Coe. Ports visited: Rota, Spain; Athens, Naples, and Malaga, Spain. On the trip home from the Mediterranean deployment, a stop had to be made at the Navy base in Rota, Spain.
  • 1967 – Jallao also operated along the Atlantic coast with other ships.
  • 1968 – Jallao conducted “Operation Springboard” in the Caribbean.
  • 1968 – Jallao departed in late summer for an extended operation in the North Atlantic operating with NATO forces. During one time period, the submarine operated the better part of 33 days snorkeling. Liberty ports visited were in Scotland, Ireland, and England.
  • 1968 – Jallao also conducted numerous weekly operations off the New England coast and off Long Island Sound.
  • January 1969 – Jallao went to Philadelphia for a full overhaul.
  • 9 May 1969 – CDR H. S. Lewis took command of the Jallao.

 

1970s

  • 1970 – Jallao made a short deployment to the Caribbean in early 1970.
  • 22 April to 9 July 1970 – Jallao made a Northern European Cruise. Ports visited were: Holy Loch, Scotland; Bergen, Norway; Stavanger, Norway; Faslane, Scotland; Bremerhaven, Germany
  • 1970 – Jallao conducted weekly operations along the New England coastline.
  • 1971 – Jallao conducted numerous weekly operations along the Atlantic seaboard and transited through the Cape Cod Canal. She was in the Groton/New London Base dry dock for a painting in the spring. Jallao also received the “E” for excellence during 1971.
  • May 16 1971 – In celebration of Armed Forces Day, Jallao was invited to participate along with several Navy ships as a visit ship in New York City. Approximately 5,000 people toured the boat over the three-day week-end.
  • 2 July 1971 – CDR L. R. Magner took command of the Jallao.
  • July through October 1971 – Jallao went on an extended deployment in the Mediterranean Sea operating with the Sixth Fleet. Ports visited were: Lisbon, Portugal; Rota, Spain, Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca (Spain); Athens, Greece; Souda Bay, Crete; Iraklion, Crete; Naples, Italy (excursions to Rome)
  • February 1972 – Jallao went on Operation Springboard in the Caribbean. Ports visited were: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Roosevelt Rhodes, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
  • Spring 1972 – Jallao made a short deployment to Bermuda.
  • June 1972 – Jallao was invited to be visit ship at the Midshipmen Graduation at Annapolis, MD. The US Navy Blue Angels also performed that week.
  • July 1972 to January 1973 – Jallao underwent a major overhaul at Portsmouth Naval shipyard in Portsmouth, NH (Kittery, ME)
  • 27 January 1973 – LCDR G. R. Carlson took command of the Jallao.
  • 1973 – Jallao conducted numerous weekly exercises with other ships, aircraft, and submarines off the New England Coast.
  • April 1973 – Jallao made a deployment to Cuba and operated with other ships and aircraft near Guantanamo, Cuba. Jallao experienced major engineering problems with all three main engines due to faulty lube oil early in the deployment. Jallao was towed to Guantanamo Naval Base and two of the engines were overhauled in order to return to resume operations. The third engine was overhauled upon return to New London.
  • May 1973 – Jallao was invited to be visit ship on Armed Forces Day in Portland, ME.
  • Summer 1973 – Jallao went to Norfolk, VA to undergo a one-day electrical procedure at the degaussing range.
  • 1973 – Jallao also made a short deployment to Bermuda.
  • 1973 – Jallao operated off the eastern Canadian coast and made a port visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
  • Late Fall 1973 – Jallao made a transit through the Cape Cod Canal while operating off the coast of Massachusetts.
  • 1974 – Jallao conducted training operations off Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound.
  • April 1974 – Jallao made a short deployment to Guantanamo, Cuba for training exercises. She participated with other ships in one-day exercises. During the course of one of the short exercises a few days before the Jallao was to depart to New London, approximately 8 Navy nurses and medical personnel were allowed to ride the boat and experience life on a submarine. The Jallao experienced a serious accident that particular day when the boat secured snorkeling and the snorkel equipment malfunctioned. The diesel engines continued to run, then choked down putting exhaust fumes throughout the aft section of the boat. Subsequently, an explosion occurred. The nurses were helpful in administering oxygen and attending to injured personnel. One crewman was seriously burned, the boat’s XO suffered a sprained ankle, and 15 crew members were treated for smoke inhalation. The boat returned safely to the Navy Base in Guantanamo and injured personnel were treated at the Navy hospital. Jallao returned to New London within a few weeks after this incident.
  • May 1974 – Upon return to New London, the ship’s personnel were informed that Jallao would be decommissioned and sold to the Spanish Navy.
  • June 1974 – the Jallao crew trained the Spanish submariners and conducted daily operations off the Connecticut coastline.
  • 26 June 1974 – a formal ceremony was held at the Groton Submarine Base. The USS Jallao (SS-368) was decommissioned and transferred to the Spanish Navy. The Jallao became the Submarino (S-35) Narciso Monturiol. Rear Admiral Paul J. Early (USN) and Rear Admiral Angel Liberal Lucini (Spanish Navy) were present for the events. Commander Gilman R. Carlson Jr. (USN) turned command of the USS Jallao over to Lt. Comandante CC Alejandro Cuerda Ortega.
  • After several more weeks of training operations by the Spanish submariners, the Submarino (S-35) departed for Spain.
  • 1984 – The Spanish Navy operated the Submarino (S-35) until 1984 when it was decommissioned. The submarine Jallao/Narciso Monturiol was scuttled on 31 December 1984 by the Spanish authorities. It is reported that the Officer’s Quarters (chamber) has been preserved at the Spanish Naval Museum in Cartagena, Spain. The boat’s figurehead resides in the Nautilus Museum in Groton, CT. The life of the Jallao spanned 40 years–30 years under U.S. flag and 10 years under Spanish flag.

 

Spanish Navy Submarino (S-35)

Chronological List of Jallao’s Commanding Officers

LCDR J. B. Icenhower, USN 8 Jul 1944 – 1 Jan 1947
LCDR J. W. Mercer, USN 2 Dec 1953 – 3 Aug 1955
LCDR J. W. Chapman, USN 3 Aug 1955 – 18 Jul 1957
LCDR R. E. Jortberg, USN 18 Jul 1957 – 23 Jul 1958
LCDR E. H. Willet, USN 23 Jul 1958 – 18 Apr 1960
LCDR R. H. Carnahan, USN 18 Apr 1960 – 30 Apr 1961
LCDR J. B. Mallard, USN 30 Apr 1961 – 3 Jul 1963
LCDR F. J. Degnan, USN 3 Jul 1963 – 9 Jul 1965
CDR R. E. Green, USN 9 Jul 1965 – 14 Aug 1967
CDR R. P. Coe, USN 14 Aug 1967 – 9 May 1969
CDR H. S. Lewis, USN 9 May 1969 – 2 Jul 1971
CDR L. R. Magner, USN 2 Jul 1971 – 27 Jan 1973
CDR G. R. Carlson, USN 27 Jan 1973 – 26 Jun 1974

 

References Primary Sources:

Jack Brown Served on the Jallao during WWII
Jerry Pilger Plank owner on the Jallao and served during WWII
Judge Jack Weinstein Served on the Jallao during WWII
Donald Frunk Served on the Jallao during the 1950s
Steve Marquis Jallao Webmaster and served on the Jallao during the 1960s
John Mills Served on the Jallao during the 1960s
Gordon Reid Served on the Jallao during the 1960s
Keith Werner Served on the Jallao during the 1960s
Anthony Basilio Served on the Jallao, 1969-1972
Alan Ferdinandsen Served on the Jallao, 1971-1974
Murray Lewis Served on the Jallao, 1968-1972

External Sources:

Navsource.org/archives; SUBNET from the Dictionary of American Fighting Ships; Wikipedia; ussjallao.com; Jallao’s “Welcome Aboard” brochure.

Author:

This abbreviated history of the USS Jallao was compiled by Joel B. Parris who served on the boat from 8 February 1971 to 26 June 1974. Joel was a part of the decommissioning crew and helped train the Spanish submariners. This project was completed in February 2015 (Tuscumbia, AL). Updates or corrections are welcomed and may be sent to jbparris@comcast.net or to 256-577-6968.

Thanks to Jallao Shipmate Don Bransford (1969-1973) who provided the encouragement to compile this history.