"First Spook Sub, on Eternal Patrol"

These are photographs of the 1/350 scale Yankee Model Works USS Dace kit built as GUPPYII USS Cochino SS-345. Some sail work done, limber holes forward filled, sonar dome added, re-shaped bow, deck details added per photo of Cochino last seen. Time to build 3 months. Subs are cool!

Cochino (SS-345) was launched 20 April 1945 by Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.; sponsored by Mrs. M. E. Serat; and commissioned 25 August 1945, Commander W. A. Stevenson in command. Cochino joined the Atlantic Fleet, cruising east coast and Caribbean waters from her home port, Key West , Fla. On 18 July 1949, she put to sea for a cruise to Britain , and arctic operations. Her group ran through a violent polar gale off Norway , and the joltings received by Cochino played their part in causing an electrical fire and battery explosion, followed by the generation of deadly hydrogen [chlorine] on 25 August. Defying the most unfavorable possible weather conditions, men of Cochino and Tusk (SS-426) fought to save the submarine for 14 hours, performing acts of skillful seamanship and high courage. But a second battery explosion on 26 August made "Abandon Ship" the only possible order, and Cochino sank on 71°35' N., 23°35' E. All Cochino 's men were rescued by the valiant Tusk who had lost seven of her own men in the attempt to save Cochino .

Tony Bunch

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