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NavSource Online: Submarine Photo Archive
Patch contributed by Mike Smolinski

Cero (SS-225)

Radio Call Sign: November - Bravo - Mike - Juliet
Gato Class Submarine: Laid down, 24 August 1942, at the Electric Boat Co., Groton, CT.; Launched, 4 April 1943; Commissioned USS Cero (SS-225), 04 July 1943; Decommissioned, 8 June 1946, at New London, CT.; Laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet; Recommissioned, 4 February 1952, at New London; Decommissioned, 23 December 1953; Laid up in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet; In service in reserve from 12 September 1959 to 30 June 1967 as a pierside training ship at Detroit, MI; Struck from the Naval Register, 30 June 1967; Final Disposition, sold for scrapping, 30 June 1967. Cero received seven battle stars for her World War II service.
Partial Data i.d courtesy of Charles Robertson a.k.a. Stephen Atkins & Yves Hubert.

Specifications: Displacement, Surfaced: 1,526 t., Submerged: 2,424 t.; Length 311' 9"; Beam 27' 3"; Draft 15' 3"; Speed, Surfaced 20.25 kts, Submerged 8.75 kts; Complement 6 Officers 54 Enlisted; Operating Depth, 300 ft; Submerged Endurance, 48 hrs at 2 kts; Patrol Endurance 75 days; Cruising Range, 11,000 miles surfaced at 10 kts; Armament, ten 21" torpedo tubes, six forward, four aft, 24 torpedoes, one 3"/50 deck gun, two .50 cal. machine guns, two .30 cal. machine guns; Propulsion, diesel electric reduction gear with four General Motors main generator engines, HP 5400, Fuel Capacity, 97,140 gals., four General Electric main motors, HP 2740, two 126-cell main storage batteries, twin propellers.
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Cero 26k The Cero Mackerel Scomberomorus regalis. Photo courtesy of fishsouthwestflorida.com.
Cero 114k Postal cover marking the keel laying of the Cero (SS-225). (Note post mark on 23 August 1942) at Electric Boat, Groton, CT. Courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Bonefish 288k Topside looking forward of the Bonefish (SS-223), on the building ways at the Electric Boat Co., Groton, CT., 7 March 1943.
Also under construction from right to left are the Cod (SS-224), Cero (SS-225), & at extreme right Corvina (SS-226).
Directly under the photographer would have been the #1 way at the Old North Yard, which on 7 March would have been occupied by the keel of Sealion (SS-315).		 Electric Boat Co / USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org. Text i.d. courtesy of David Johnston (USN, retired)
Cero 1.15k Cero (SS-225) sliding down the launching ways at the Electric Boat Co., Groton, CT., 4 April 1943. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
Cero 130k Postal cover marking the launching of the Cero (SS-225) on 4 April 1943 at Electric Boat, Groton, CT. Courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Cero 32k Commemorative postal cover marking the Cero's (SS-225) commissioning on 4 July 1943. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Cero 27k Commemorative postal cover marking the Cero's (SS-225) first day in commission, 4 July 1943. Courtesy of Jack Treutle (of blessed memory).
Cero 47k Portside bow view of the Cero (SS-225), during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
213 808k Looking forward at a midwar, 1943 EB Gato, very possibly Cero (SS-225) herself.
Photographed at the Submarine Base, New London, Conn. Photo released 4 November 1943. 		Photo i.d., & text courtesy of Robert Morgan.
USN photo # 80-G-43493 by Cdr. Edward J. Steichen, from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Cero 197k Commissioning party of the Cero's (SS-225) crew, family and friends at Polly's Inn, off West Norwich Road, Montville, CT., 4 July 1943.
Polly's Inn burned down (total loss) during the night of 5 March, 1947. See the attached newspaper article (Front page, bottom right under FLASHES!).		 Photo courtesy of Stephen Atkins.
Polly's Inn insert courtesy of Joshua Blodgett.
Cero 75k Crewmen relaxing on folding bunks in one of the Cero's (SS-225) torpedo rooms, while she was at New London, Connecticut, in August 1943. Photographed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Fenno Jacobs, USNR. Official USN photo # 80-G-415497, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Cero 198k Forward torpedo tubes of the Cero (SS-225), during a simulated torpedo attack, while at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base in August 1943. Photographed by a member of Edward Steichen's unit. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
Cero 274k Commander David C. White, the submarine's Commanding Officer, on the bridge during Cero's (SS-225) shakedown period, August 1943. Photographed in the New London, Connecticut, area by Commander Edward Steichen, USNR. Text from USNHC photo # 80-G-468715, now in the collections of the National Archives.
USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Cero 803k Bright bow on Cero' (SS-225) beam during her shakedown period, August 1943. Probably photographed in the New London, Connecticut, area by Commander Edward Steichen, USNR. USN photo courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Cero 78k Scene in the conning tower during a simulated torpedo attack, while at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base in August 1943.Photographed by a member of Edward Steichen's unit. Commander David C. White, the Cero's (SS-225) Commanding Officer is at the periscope (right). In the center is the Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander David H. McClintock. Official USN photo # 80-G-K-16012, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Cero 398k Conning tower scene of a U.S. submarine, quite possibly the Cero (SS-225), August 1943. NARA FILE #: 080-G-468524, photographed by Comdr. Edward J. Steichen. Photo # HD-SN-99-02605, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil, Defense Visual Information Center.
Cero 97k Officers eating in the submarine's Wardroom, served by their Stewards, during Cero's (SS-225) shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. Photographed by Charles Fenno Jacobs. Officers present are (from left to right): Lieutenant Commander David H. McClintock; Commander David C. White, Commanding Officer; Lieutenant Charles D. Nace. Official USN photo # 80-G-K-15541, now in the collections of the National Archives.
Cero 528k Commander David C. White on bridge of Cero (SS-225). The US Navy sailor beside Commander White keeps an alert watch. Note the sub's name on the back of his shirt. USN photo # 80-G-468688, photographed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Jacobs, courtesy of NARA via Rob Hanshew and Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Cero 235k 3" gun on board Cero (SS-225) off New London, Connecticut, August 1943. Note, the radar circled for air-brushing. USN photo # 80-G-468677, photographed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Jacobs, courtesy of NARA via Rob Hanshew and Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Cero 245k On the Bridge of Cero (SS-225). Lieutenant Commander David H. McClintock, left, who would go on to command the Darter (SS-227) in her last battle at Leyte Gulf in 14 months; with Commander David C. White, Commanding Officer of the ship. Lookout with binoculars in background, August 1943. USN photo # 80-G-468696, photographed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Jacobs, courtesy of NARA via Rob Hanshew and Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Cero 245k Ensign William D. Taylor; Lieutenant Charles D. Nace; Lieutenant Julian I. Schoken and Lieutenant Commander David H. McClintock (left to right) writing reports in the wardroom of Cero (SS-225), August 1943. USN photo # 80-G-468701, photographed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Jacobs, courtesy of NARA via Rob Hanshew and Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Cero 793k Commander David C. White at the pelorus on the bridge of Cero (SS-225), August 1943. USN photo # 80-G-468690, photographed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Jacobs, courtesy of NARA via Rob Hanshew and Tracy White @ Researcher @ Large.
Cero 1.00k Cero's (SS-225) officers pour over a map during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo # 80-G-468689 by Cdr. Edward J. Steichen, from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Cero 766k Let the compass be your guide on Cero (SS-225), during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo # 80-G-468691 by Cdr. Edward J. Steichen, from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert
Cero 47k Port side view of the Cero (SS-225), during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
Cero 185k Cero (SS-225), helmsmen, during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
Cero 216k Bow planesman on the Cero (SS-225), during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
Cero 85k Planesmen on the Cero (SS-225), during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
Cero 134k Relaying commands to quick firing 20mm gun crew aboard the Cero (SS-225), during her shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. USN photo courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil, Defense Visual Information Center.
Cero 181k Bow on view of Cero (SS-225), in the Mare Island channel on 13 February 1945. USN photo # 1107-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Cero 1.00k Broadside view of Cero (SS-225) off Mare Island on 13 February 1945. Official shipyard records state that Cero was in overhaul at the yard from 5 December 44 until 26 February 45. USN photo # 80-G-1041903 from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Cero 194k Stern view of Cero (SS-225) departing Mare Island on 13 February 1945. USN photo # 1112-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Tambor 607k Forward plan view of Tambor (SS-198) at Mare Island on 24 February 1945. Shipyard records indicate that Ray (SS-271) and Greenling (SS-213) were berthed immediately aft of Tambor and behind these two boats were Cero (SS-225) and Raton (SS-270). USN photo # 19l-CM-1400, from National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Sand Lance245k Bow on view of Sand Lance (SS-381) off Mare Island on 26 February 1945.
In the background is a stern view of either Snapper (SS-185), Cero (SS-225), & Raton (SS-270). All were out in the bay that day. 		USN photo # 1445-45, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.
Cero 46k The Cero's (SS-225) battle flag is painted on the conning tower. It consists of the:
Cero Fish with a torpedo in its mouth exploding into the hull of an enemy ship:
4 Jap warship flags sunk or damaged.
16 Jap merchant vessels flags sunk or damaged.
The five Japanese flags with just the meatball are for Merchant ships sunk by torpedo fire. [This was also what JANAC lists for Cero.]
The 11 other jap flags with the meatball and the black line are for other Jap merchant vessels that were hit by torpedo fire and presumed to be either sunk or heavily damaged. These were not visually confirmed as on many of Cero's attacks she had no time to confirm due to depth charge counterattack.
Air force wing symbol for 5 airmen rescued.
The 7 black round symbols are for floating mines destroyed by machine gun or 20 MM AA gun.
A lighthouse, for the Sheria Saki Lighthouse costal radar station that Cero shelled with her 5" deck gun on the final 8th patrol.
The conning tower photo was taken in New Orleans or Pearl. The contributor, Thomas M.Quatrale is the one 4th from left under number 5. He was aboard Cero for her 2nd thru 8th and final war patrol serving as Electricians mate 2nd class. 		USN photo & text courtesy of Thomas M.Quatrale via his son, Jim Quatrale.
Photo courtesy of Japanese Coast Guard via unc.edu.
Cero 315k Cero (SS-225) had lifeguard and picket duty off Honshu for her eighth war patrol. On 15 July, she rescued three survivors of a downed bomber, and later that day bombarded the Japanese lighthouse and radio station at Shiriya Saki, Honshu. On 18 July, while sailing for the Kuril Islands, Cero came under enemy air attack, and was damaged so severely by a bomb landing close aboard that she was forced to leave her patrol area for Pearl Harbor, arriving 30 July, as seen in this photo. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org.
Text courtesy of DANFS & Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
Fremantle 428k Subs at Key West, FL., post late March 1952.
From left to right: Clamagore (SS-343), Amberjack (SS-522), Cero (SS-225), unknown, Cobia (SS-245). The rest are too unclear to i.d. 		Photo courtesy of Albert Krause, Jr, SO2(SS)
Cero 73k Starboard side view of the Cero (SS-225), taken at Belle Isle in Detroit, where she was a training vessel, circa early - to mid-60s. When she was a training boat, she never left the dock; she was re-fitted with some kind of weatherized structure just aft of the sail (which you can see in the photo), she got all of her power from land lines, and I think that most of what the crews did aboard her then were simulated dives, simulated torpedo firings, etc. USN photo courtesy of ussubvetsofworldwarii.org
Text info courtesy of Tom Horn (son of Clarence Durwood "Durwood" Horn, 1925-1961).
View the Cero (SS-225)
DANFS history entry located on the Haze Gray & Underway Web Site.
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association
Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
Ep-21 (1) - Victory At Sea ~ Full Fathom Five - HQ
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