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USS Grenadier (SS-525) 

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Grenadier (SS-525) 

USS Grenadier (SS-525) was laid down by Boston Naval Shipyard, Boston, Mass., 8 February 1944; launched 10 February 1951; sponsored by Mrs. John A. Fitzgerald, wife of the first Grenadier's last skipper; and commissioned the same day, Comdr. Henry G. Reaves in command.

One of the first "Guppy" submarines, USS Grenadier (SS-525) was equipped with a snorkel to permit indefinite running in an awash condition. USS Grenadier (SS-525) proved the worth of this device during her shakedown. Returning from the Caribbean cruise, the new submarine made the 7-day voyage from Guantanamo Bay to New London, Conn., submerged. Almost 2 years of intensive training exercises out of New London were capped by her first yard overhaul at Philadelphia, extending from 16 December 1952 to 22 April 1953.

In June 1953 USS Grenadier (SS-525) participated in the annual midshipman cruise to Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian ports. Returning to New London via the Caribbean, she then supported ASW exercises during November, as a carrier task force perfected its antisubmarine operations. USS Grenadier (SS-525) departed New London 3 January 1956 on the first of several Mediterranean cruises. During a 3-month deployment she steamed throughout the Mediterranean and both showed the flag and participated in attack and antisubmarine exercises with various units of the 6th Fleet. 

USS Grenadier (SS-525) operated out of New London until 15 September 1959, she transferred to Key West, Fla. From there USS Grenadier (SS-525) served more frequently in the Caribbean, and also patrolled and held exercises along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. USS Grenadier (SS-525) again confronted Russian ships when the Cuban missile crisis threatened nuclear war in October 1962. In company with USS Balao, USS Threadfin, USS Trutta, and USS Chopper, she formed part of the American fleet that blockaded and quarantined the Communist island. After the Russian offensive missiles were pulled out of Cuba, USS Grenadier (SS-525) was one of several ships dispatched to Cuba in November to assert and confirm America's rights and position there.

Since 1962 USS Grenadier (SS-525) has continued patrols and training operations out of Key West. Assigned to SubRon 12, she has participated in exercises along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean. In addition, she has provided valuable aid during the perfecting of advanced sonor and ASW equipment. She distinguished herself in 1966 gathering navigational data and other information in the Caribbean. She continues to serve the Atlantic Fleet into 1967.

For a complete history of USS Grenadier (SS-525) please see its DANFS page.