Naval History and Heritage Command

Description: Collection of 78 images related to the WWII naval service of PhM2c Frank Mahan aboard USS Blue (DD-744). The images begin with Mahan’s training unit with the US Naval Hospital Corps, 1943 and includes a speech by Eleanor Roosevelt. The majority of the collection consists of photographs related to the activities of USS Blue and the various engagements she was involved with, including: beach bombardment Iwo Jima and bombing attacks by the Japanese. Various scenes include exterior and interior views of the ship; crew members; Mahan in the medical facilities onboard ship; Crossing the Line ceremonies; transferring supplies via highline; change of command ceremonies; and several views of the rescue of a downed aircraft pilot. On 27 August 1944, USS Blue accepted the surrender of Japanese submarine I-400 off the coast of Honshū and brought her to just outside port (where another vessel took custody of her). Several image of US sailors from USS Blue aboard the I-400 are included and also show the crew of the Japanese ship. Also within the collection are several documents that highlight the history of the ship and list the members of the crew, as well as a narrative of the surrender of the Japanese submarine I-400.