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USS Grampus (SS-207)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS Grampus (SS-207)

USS Grampus (SS-207), built by the Electric Boat Co. of Groton, Conn., was launched 23 December 1940; sponsored by Mrs. Clark H. Woodward; and commissioned 23 May 1941 at New London, Lt. Comdr. Edward S. Hutchinson in command.

After shakedown in Long Island Sound, USS Grampus (SS-207) sailed to the Caribbean with Grayback on 8 September to conduct a training war patrol, returning to New London 28 September. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor found Grampus undergoing post-shakedown overhaul at Portsmouth, N.H., but soon ready for war. On her first war patrol (8 February - 4 April 1942) USS Grampus (SS-207) reconnoitered Kwajalein and Wotje atolls, tracking tidal currents and other environmental data needed for future amphibious landings. Taking aboard four Australian coast watchers, USS Grampus (SS-207) sailed to the Solomon Islands for her fourth war patrol (2 October - 23 November 1942). Despite the presence of Japanese destroyers, she landed the coast watchers on Vella Lavella and Choiseul Islands (14-19 October) while conducting her patrol.

USS Grampus (SS-207) fifth war patrol (14 December 1942-19 January 1943) took her across access lanes frequented by Japanese submarines and other ships. Air and water patrol of this area was extremely heavy and although she conducted several daring attacks on the 41 contacts she sighted, USS Grampus (SS-207) again was denied any kills.

In company with USS Grayback, USS Grampus (SS-207) departed Brisbane on 11 February 1943 for her sixth war patrol from which she failed to return. A post-war review of records indicate USS Grampus (SS-207) operated off New Britain by 18 February, damaging Japanese aircraft ferry Keiyo Maru that same day. The submarine closed the damaged ship and torpedoed her again the following day. The attacks provoked an aggressive Japanese response and naval aircraft from 958th Kokutai may have sunk the submarine southeast of New Britain on the 19th. The other possible scenario for her loss is an attack by Japanese destroyer Minegumo in Blackett Strait on the night of 5-6 March, where a heavy oil slick was sighted the following day. In either case, after repeated radio messages failed to produce any response from USS Grampus (SS-207), the submarine was declared missing and presumed lost with all hands on 3 March. Her name was struck from the Navy list on 21 June 1943.

For a complete history of USS Grampus (SS-207) please see its DANFS page.