USS Tullibee (SS-284)

Launched on 11 November 1942 and sponsored by Mrs. Lucile Dunlap Hurd, wife of Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth C. Hurd, Navy Cross recipient and former commanding officer of Seal (SS-183), Tullibee was commissioned on 15 February 1943, Cmdr. Charles F. Brindupke in command.

Tullibee worked up in the waters off San Diego and San Francisco, Calif., for three weeks (8-30 April) prior to undergoing repairs and loading for her first deployment (1-7 May). On 8 May, she stood out for Pearl Harbor, T.H., where she arrived a week later. After her arrival in the Hawaiian Islands, she underwent a second period of training (17-28 May).

Unfortunately, during the training period Tullibee developed multiple leaks that forced her into the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard for repairs. During her lengthy (3 June–11 July 1943) maintenance period, workers not only renewed Tullibee ’s air fittings in an effort to prevent future leaks, they made numerous alterations to the submarine. Perhaps most significantly, her no. 1 periscope was moved to the conning tower. Both the tower and the bridge also received additional armor, and a 3-inch/50 dual-purpose gun replaced her 4-incher. Workers also removed her degaussing coils and generators.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Tullibee I (SS-284)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.