This 60 Day Submarine Voyage in 1960 Tested the Psychological and Physical Limits of Crew

This 60 Day Submarine Voyage in 1960 Tested the Psychological and Physical Limits of Crew

Larry Holzwarth - February 26, 2020

This 60 Day Submarine Voyage in 1960 Tested the Psychological and Physical Limits of Crew
USS Macon, a cruiser, as it appeared circa 1960. US Navy

13. Triton transferred the ill radioman without surfacing on March 5

Triton took advantage of its large sail to transfer Chief Poole without surfacing on March 5. The submarine broached, hovering at just above periscope depth with a small portion of the sail protruding above the surface. The rest of the submarine, including the entire hull, remained submerged. Macon dispatched a whaleboat, which approached alongside the protruded sail, and Chief Poole was transferred to it, and carried to the cruiser. Before he was aboard the latter ship, Triton was again beneath the waves, having not surfaced to accomplish the transfer. Poole was examined in Montevideo and did not require surgery. He did not return to Triton.

On March 7 Triton rounded Cape Horn, using the Drake Passage. All members of the crew were allowed to view the Cape via the periscope, which forced Triton to reverse course several times to accommodate them all. After entering the Pacific, the submarine steered for Easter Island. The ship’s routine was modified, Wednesday was assigned the status of Rope Yarn Sunday, a traditional Naval routine in which drills and other scheduled events were suspended. Personal time was allowed for leisure, clothing maintenance, private study, and in general relief from ship’s routine. During the high-speed run to deliver Poole to medical care Beach reported he was astounded at the submerged speeds of which Triton was capable, and noted that the ship could easily be even faster.

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