USS
REDFIN (SS-272)
Manitowoc to Algiers
After
REDFIN was commissioned on August 31, 1943 and after many test runs, test
dives and a visit to Great Lakes Training Center on September 20th,
she was ready to start the voyage to New Orleans, LOUISIANA.
REDFIN departed Manitowoc on September 26th and
proceeded under her own power down Lake Michigan to Chicago, ILLINOIS.
Once there, most of the crew was detached on 9 days leave to meet
REDFIN in New Orleans.
Two
tugboats towed REDFIN through the Control Lock, down the Chicago River,
through the Chicago Sanitary Canal to the dry-dock in Chicago, a distance
of 35 miles. This was done so there wouldn’t be a chance to draw
anything through the water intake system. After mooring in Chicago, the
periscopes and shears, radar masts and antennas were removed and laid out
on deck. This was done to enable them to pass under the many bridges on
the way. REDFIN was then put
into a floating dry-dock. The tug, LAFAYETTE was then secured to the stern of the
dry-dock with wire rope and turnbuckles.
Because
of the currents encountered in the inland rivers the towing is done by the
tug pushing the tow rather then pulling.
The tow can be controlled better in this manner.
On
September 27th they proceeded on their 1500-mile voyage to New
Orleans through Lockport Lock. Reaching the Illinois River on the 28th
and then the Mississippi River at Grafton, Illinois at 1900 hours on
September 29th. After
passing through the Alton Lock, the 8th lock since leaving Lake
Michigan, the Chain of Rocks Channel was navigated and then going was a
little better because of the width of the river.
On October 05, 1943 they reach New Orleans and was taken out of the
dry-dock. The periscopes, shears and antennas were replaced and the
detached crew reported on board from leave.
REDFIN
moved across the river to Algiers, LOUISANIA to the Algiers Naval Station,
where they received fuel, torpedoes, ammunition and the fresh and dry
provisions.
On October 09, 1943 REDFIN was got underway for PANAMA CANAL ZONE.