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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive

Patch on left courtesy of usssubvetsofwwii.org, on right by Y.M.Umar, CPO (Ret.),Turkish Navy.

Caiman (SS-323)

Radio Call Sign: November - Kilo - Charlie - Charlie
Balao Class Submarine: Originally named Blanquillo (name changed on 24 September 1942); Laid down, 24 June 1943 at the Electric Boat Company, Groton, CT; Launched, 30 March 1944; Commissioned USS Caiman (SS-323), on 17 July 1944. Entered Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA on 23 April 1951 for conversion to GUPPY (snorkel) configuration.
Upon completion of upgrade in February 1952, Caiman departed for duties in the Western Pacific in support of United Nations forces in the Korean Conflict.
Caiman (sold) decommissioned and transferred to Turkey on 30 June 1972. (Friedman, Bauer)to the Republic of Turkey and was Commissioned in the Turkish Navy as TGC Dumlupinar (S-339) in ceremonies conducted at the U. S. Support Facility, Ballast Point in San Diego.
Dumlupinar was the 3rd Turkish submarine to bear the name of the last battle of the Turkish War of Independence (1919 - 1922). The ex-Blower (SS-325), also named Dumlupinar, was lost with 81 Turkish submariners in the treacherous Dardanelles on 4 April 1953.
(Note: the Dumlupinar also suffered a collision with the Soviet freighter Szik Vovilov just 28 nautical miles from where the ex-Blower was lost, however the crew managed to ground her before another tragic sinking and loss of life.) The Dumlupinar was salvaged and repaired and served in the Turkish Navy for 11 years before her Decommissioning as TGC Dumlupinar (S-339) on 6 February 1983. She was renamed Ceryan Botu (Y-1247) and served as a charging boat at Gölcük Navy Yard until she was scrapped on 15 September 1986.
Caiman received two battle stars for her World War II service.
Researched by Yves Hubert, CTRC Donald J. Wagner, USN (Ret.) & Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired), Turkish Navy for NavSource.

As built to the specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 1,526 t., Submerged: 2,242 t.; Length 311' 9"; Beam 27' 3"; Draft 15' 3"; Speed, Surfaced 20.25 kts, Submerged 8.75 kts; Cruising Range, 11,000 miles surfaced at 10kts; Submerged Endurance, 48 hours at 2kts; Operating Depth, 400 ft; Complement 6 Officers, 60 Enlisted; Armament, ten 21" torpedo tubes, six forward, four aft, 24 torpedoes, one 5"/25 deck gun, one 40mm gun, one 20mm gun, two .50 cal. machine guns; Patrol Endurance 75 days; Propulsion, diesel-electric reduction gear with four main generator engines., General Motors diesel engines, HP 5400, Fuel Capacity 118,000, four General Electric motors, HP 2,740, two 126-cell main storage batteries, two propellers.
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Caiman 137k The Caiman (SS-323) was spawned here. Construction is probably late summer 1943. Photo from the Photo Essay How To Build A Submarine at Electric Boat Co. New London, Conn.
Photographer: Bernard Hoffman, courtesy of life.time.com
Sperry 638k Mrs. Agnes Bonjour, President of the Periscope Navy Wives Club, was the sponsor of the Caiman (SS-323), 30 March 1944. Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
Caiman 31k Commemorative postal cover marking the launching of the Caiman (SS-323), at the Electric Boat Company, Groton, CT., 30 March 1944. USN photo courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Caiman 130k Caiman (SS-323), sliding down the launching ways at the Electric Boat Company, Groton, CT., 30 March 1944. USN photo courtesy of Electric Boat.
Caiman 894k Photo of the invitation for the Caiman's (SS-323) commissioning party. The contributor's father, Jewell W. Webb, CEM, was a plankholder on the Caiman. He is the last person on the right in the first row. His significant other, Dorothy Webb, is seated in the far right in the second row. USN photo courtesy of William J. Webb.
Caiman 66k J. B. Azer who was commanding officer of the Caiman (SS-323) at the time of her commissioning. USN photo courtesy of William J. Webb.
Caiman 534k Caiman (SS-323) during the 40's post war period. USN photo courtesy of flickr.com via Stephen Gower.
Bergall 104k 3 photo PDF of the Bergall (SS-320), Besugo (SS-321), Caiman (SS-323) & unknown boat alongside their tender circa late '46 to early '47. Photo i.d. courtesy of Mike Brood.
Photos courtesy of Steve Franklin.
Caiman 1.76k Caiman (SS-323) circa early 1950's. USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Caiman 29k March 1950 in Hawaii. Bergall (SS-320) is outboard of the Caiman (SS-323). In the background is the Valley Forge (CVA-45). Text courtesy of John Hummel, USN (Retired). Photo courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 50k The after torpedo room and two torpedoes of the Caiman (SS-323) in 1950. My first bunk assignment was in the rack mounted right above the copper warhead of the torpedo. You can understand why we actually preferred to sleep in the barracks when we had the opportunity. The yellow "exercise shot" had a water-filled tank in place of the warhead. After being shot and running its course, when the propulsion ran down the water was blown out of the tank by air pressure and the torpedo would bob in the water like a buoy to be recovered by the retrievers and re-used. Being a newbie I was assigned a battle station on the torpedo re-loading crew. Under the direction of a torpedoman petty officer we would winch the torpedoes into the tubes before firing. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 87k Caiman (SS-323), March 1950 at Hilo, Hawaii. In the background is a bulk sugar loading facility. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 100k Caiman (SS-323) starboard quarter view, March 1950 off Hawaii. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 273k President Truman Inspects Pearl Harbor on 13 October 1950: The Caiman (SS-323) is dockside. A.P. Wirephoto courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Caiman 211k Bow on view of Caiman (SS-323) departing Mare Island on 25 September 1951. USN photo # 10521-9-51, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Caiman 290k Stern view of Caiman (SS-323) departing Mare Island on 25 September 1951. USN photo # 10525-9-51, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Caiman 291k Amidships looking forward plan view of Caiman (SS-323) at Mare Island on 25 September 1951. She was under conversion at the yard from 2 April to 10 October 1951. The Charr (SS-328) & Baya (SS-318) are in front of the Caiman undergoing their conversions to GUPPY. USN photo # 10531-9-51, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Caiman 64k The AC power distribution panel and gyro control panel in control room of the Caiman (SS-323). Circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 40k After battery sleeping quarters, bunks "up" in the Caiman (SS-323). Circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 69k The new snorkel control panel at the dive station of the Caiman (SS-323). The snorkel head had an electric sensor that would shut the valve if seawater washed over it. The engines would keep running and suck the air out of the boat, circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 60k Caiman (SS-323) with upgraded dive control station with new indicators. The former bubbles were replaced with more sensitive dial indicators, circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 64k One addition to the engine rooms in the Caiman (SS-323) was an air diverter to blow any sea water coming down the snorkel to over and behind the engines. Also, when we were snorkeling in Arctic waters the icy air was partially warmed by the engines before being blown through the boat. Circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 40k The Captain's chair at the wardroom table. Nobody but nobody sat in that chair except the Captain of the Caiman (SS-323), circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 81k The high-pressure air distribution manifold of the Caiman (SS-323) looking forward. Circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 81k The high and low-pressure distribution manifold of the Caiman (SS-323) looking aft. Circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 74k The mess hall of the Caiman (SS-323) with galley passthrough. Important reading material, circa 1951-52. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 54k The Caiman (SS-323) was moored outboard of a fleet-type boat (unidentified) and inboard of the Blackfin (SS-322) in Yokosuka, Japan, 1952. The floating crane had come alongside to load torpedoes into the Blackfin. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 63k The Caiman (SS-323) & Blackfin (SS-322) moored outboard of the ASR in Yokosuka, Japan, 1952. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 24k Caiman (SS-323), underway, fall of 1953, prior to conducting a "covert" cruise to track the Soviet merchant fleet sailing through the Bering Strait between Alaska and the Siberian peninsula to supply the North Korean war effort. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com.
Caiman 41k Caiman (SS-323), prior to going to the Dry Dock (ARD) for 10,000 mile overhaul. The white stuff is saltwater corrosion of aluminum, fall 1953. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 76k Caiman (SS-323), in the Dry Dock (ARD) for scraping and repainting. The ASR in the background, fall 1953. Courtesy of Grant Riddle submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 66k Caiman (SS-323), stern view in the Dry Dock (ARD) for scraping and repainting. The screws were removed and taken to the shop for repair. Courtesy of Grant Riddle / submarinebaseph.com
Caiman 87k The Caiman (SS-323) underway, circa post 1953. USN photo courtesy of USNI.
Caiman 1.71k 4 page PDF Xmas 1955 menu aboard the Caiman (SS-323). Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Caiman 44k Caiman (SS-323) is shown on 31 July 1958 after a San Francisco overhaul. The large dome enclosed BQR-3, a modernized JT, permitting it to fuction at higher underwater speeds. The smaller dome housed a single-ping searchlight sonar, BQS-3, a successor to the wartime WFA. USN photo & text courtesy of U.S. Submarines Since 1945, An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman & James L. Christley. Naval Institute Press.
Sperry 666k Sperry (AS-12) moored in the harbor at San Diego CA., in 1962 with submarines on her port side, from outboard to inboard,
Bugara (SS-331)
Caiman (SS-323)
Ronquil (SS-396)
Charr (SS-328)
Sea Fox (SS-402) and
Menhaden (SS-377).		 Photo courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
Who Am I?153kSubs alongside of the Sperry (AS-12), circa 1964 - 68. There are three Guppies, one AGSS, and Skipjack class 585's. The Caiman (SS-323) looks like the boat overhanging the end of the pier. Caiman was a Guppy 1A and had the sail, bow and aft messenger buoy on the port side as shown. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org. Photo i.d. courtesy of Ray ? Text courtesy of David Johnston.
Caiman 323k The Caiman (SS-323) is seen in Mare Island's dry dock #4 in February 1967 while in overhaul at the yard. She was in overhaul at the yard from 14 December 1966 to 29 May 1967 and in dry dock from 20 December 1966 to 21 March 1967. Floating workshop/ berthing barge YRS-2 and 150-ton floating crane YSD-33 are seen in the background. USN photo # 10521-9-51, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Fremantle 365k This plaque was unveiled 20 March 1995 by His Excellency Major General P.M. Jeffery OA MC, Governor of Western Australia to commemorate the sacrifices made by Allied submarines that operated out of Fremantle, Western Australia during WW II. Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
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0842026		638k 5 photo PDF of Senior Chief Machinist mate James Taney & his qual book from the Caiman (SS-323), 1970. Photo courtesy of Dale Hargrave.
Caiman 26k Commemorative postal cover marking the Caiman's (SS-323) building history. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
TCG Dumlupinar (S-339)
Caiman 116k A week before decommissioning, US and Turkish crew on the Barbecue. EMCS (SS) J.A. Andrezik Chief of the Electric & EMC Sait Kucuk. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 112k Front cover of the Decommissioning & Transfer Program, 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 83k Page 2 of the Decommissioning & Transfer Program, 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 60k Page 3 of the Decommissioning & Transfer Program, 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 63k Page 4 of the Decommissioning & Transfer Program, 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 116k Page 5 of the Decommissioning & Transfer Program, 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 108k Page 6 of the Decommissioning & Transfer Program, 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 91k The National Colors are presented during the Decommissioning & Transfer ceremony, 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 140k Decommissionning ceremony at Ballast Point, San Diego 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 151k Decommissionning ceremony at Ballast Point, San Diego 30 June 1972. The submarine tender Sperry (AS-12) is behind the audience. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 102k The U.S. crew of the Caiman (SS-323) leave the boat for the last time on 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 107k The Turkish crew of the Dumlupinar (S-339). Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 109k The Turkish crew of the Dumlupinar (S-339) make ready to bring the boat alive. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 348k The Turkish national flag is raised aboard the Dumlupinar (S-339) at Ballast Point, San Diego 30 June 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 87k Bow view of the newest addition to the Turkish Navy. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 125k Double Commissioning Ceremony with the Dumlupinar (S-339) & Inonu (S-346), 24 August 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 156k Double Commissioning Ceremony with the Dumlupinar (S-339) & Inonu (S-346), 24 August 1972. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 164k Sait Kucuk charging the Battery in the Maneuvering Room. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 93k Port quarter view underway at Maltepe, Istanbul 1973. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 111k After NATO Exercises, anchored in front of the Antalya, Turkey 1975. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 194k Map showing the location of the Dumlupinar (S-339) following a collision with the Soviet freighter Szik Vovilov, 1 September 1976. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 103k Front page of Turkish newspaper with photos of the Dumlupinar (S-339) following a collision with the Soviet freighter Szik Vovilov, 1 September 1976. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Dumlupinar 158k After the 1953 sinking of the first Dumlupinar (D-6), the Rescue buoy appears on the after deck of all Turkish submarines. Early 1970's photo of the Dumlupinar (S-339) with Sait Kucuk the 3rd to the right on deck.
Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
Caiman 140k Dumlupinar (S-339), Preveze (S-345), Basaran-ex Patroclus (LST-672). In the rear of the photo past the unknown Floating Dry Dock is the ex-Greenlet (ASR-10) in Turkish naval service as TCG Akin (A-585), September 1981. Photo courtesy of Sait Kucuk, CPOS (Retired),Turkish Navy.
View the Caiman (SS-323)
DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site.
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