USS Pomfret SS391

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Pomfret SS391

USS Pomfret (SS-391) was a Balao-class submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944. She served with distinction during World War II, completing nine war patrols in the Pacific, during which she sank numerous Japanese vessels and conducted daring rescue missions of downed Allied aviators. After the war, Pomfret continued her service through the early Cold War era, training crews and participating in various exercises until 1971. In that year, she was transferred to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Oruçreis (S 337) until her final decommissioning.

Unit Members

Paul Ripsom

U.S. Navy

USS Pomfret SS391View Profile

Photos

A School

U.S. Navy • 1979

Buddies

U.S. Navy

All P-3 retired

VP Squadrons • U.S. Navy • 2024

My book

USS Lawrence DDG-4 • U.S. Navy • 1972

About USS Pomfret SS391

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• WWII Service: USS Pomfret (SS-391) was a Balao-class submarine commissioned in February 1944 and served actively in the Pacific Theater during World War II. • Namesake: The submarine was named after the pomfret, a type of edible fish found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. • War Patrols: Pomfret completed nine war patrols during WWII, operating in dangerous enemy waters and earning six battle stars for her service. • Rescue Operations: On her fourth war patrol, Pomfret rescued 13 downed American aviators from the waters off Formosa (now Taiwan), showcasing her role in "lifeguard" duties. • Surviving Depth Charge Attacks: The submarine survived multiple depth charge attacks from Japanese anti-submarine forces, including a harrowing episode off the coast of Honshu. • Postwar Service: After WWII, Pomfret was decommissioned, then reactivated for the Korean War and served with the Pacific Fleet throughout the 1950s. • GUPPY Conversion: In the early Cold War, Pomfret underwent a GUPPY (Greater Underwater Propulsive Power Program) conversion to improve her underwater capabilities. • Hollywood Appearance: USS Pomfret made a brief appearance in the 1955 film “The Eternal Sea,” a tribute to Vice Admiral John Hoskins. • Transfer to Turkey: In 1971, Pomfret was transferred to the Turkish Navy and served as TCG Oruçreis (S-337) until her decommissioning in 1987. • Battle Honors: Throughout her career, Pomfret earned a total of seven battle stars—six for WWII and one for Korean War service—highlighting her distinguished and active operational history.