I proudly served aboard the USS Tautog, SSN-639, from July 1974 to November 1978 as an ESM-ETR2, stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The USS Tautog was the second ship of the fleet to bear the name of the black northern Atlantic fish. The first Tautog was a diesel boat that served during World War II. The actual name and hull number of the original USS TAUTOG (SS 199), was proudly mounted and displayed on the forward bulkhead of the crew's mess.

The keel for the second TAUTOG was laid January 27, 1964 at Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation, Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was removed from active service October 25, 1996 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

I proudly served 3 CO's, 3 XO's, 3 OPS Officers and 4 COB's. The crew had cycled completely through in that 4 years, and as happened to many, I wound up being the last original crew member as all those who had served aboard the Tautog when I first reported for duty, had been cycled home or to other duty stations. I wouldn't have traded those 4 years for anything. It was tough, especially with family. But, if I had it to do over, I would do it again.

The following are pictures taken of the submarine USS Tautog, myself and fellow shipmates while visiting Subic Bay in the Phillipines: