|
Re-designated SSR-270 on 18 July 1952, RATON was re-commissioned 21 September 1953 under the command of Commander James K. Wills, U. S. Navy, and on 8 September 1954, RATON left the U. S. Naval Shipyard for Norfolk where she spent a period of training in Submarine Squadron SIX. Upon completion of training in Norfolk, RATON was ordered to the West Coast for duty with the Pacific Fleet in Submarine Squadron FIVE. Enroute to San Diego, Californiia, RATON trained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and made visits at Santiago De Cuba, Cuba; Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, and Acapulco, Mexico. RATON reported to Commander Submarine Division FIFTY-THREE for duty on 7 March 1954. After joining the Pacific Fleet RATON participated in many assignments, among which were a tour of duty with COMFAIRWING FOUR in Puget Sound, operations with the Canadian Navy, and six-month tours in WESTPAC. The Raton departed from San Diego on 11 May 1955 for a 6-month deployment to WESTPAC. While in WESDTPAC, Lieutenant Commander J. F. RILEY, U. S. Navy relieved Lieutenant Commander J. K. WILLS, U. S. Navy, as Commanding Officer. RATON returned to San Diego on 6 November 1955. In July 1956, RATON completed a successful four and a half month overhaul at Mare Island Naval Shipyard and returned to San DIego, California to re-join Submarine Squadron FIVE. RATON departed San Diego on 6 August 1956 for a post-overhaul 'shakedown' cruise along the West Coast of Mexico and South America which included ports of call at Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, Guayaquil, Ecuador, and Wreck Bay, in the Galapogos Islands. Early in 1957 RATON received a new battery at Naval Repair Facility, San Diego, departing in May for a six month tour in WESTPAC. While in WESTPAC Lieutenant Commander R. WILLIAMSON, II, U. S. Navy relieved Lieutenant Commander J. F. RILEY, U. S. Navy as Commanding Officer. RATON returned to San Diego, California in November for local operrations and reported to U. S. Naval Shipyard, San Francisco for overhaul in mid 1958. Upon completion of regular overhaul in January 1959 RATON operated out of San DIego until March when she departed for her third tour in WESTPAC. While in WESTPAC Lieutenant Commander H. E. PHELPS, U. S. Navy relieved Lieutenant Commander R. WILLIAMSON, II, U. S. Navy as Commanding Officer. Upon return to San Diego in November 1959 RATON operated locally. Especially interesting were operations with UDT, Marine Reconnaissance forces and Midshipmen. In June 1960 RATON was converted to AGSS, an auxiliary submarine by ship's and tender personnel. In January 1961 RATON reported to Mare Island Naval Shipyard for a major overhaul. After departing Mare Island in April 1961, RATON again deployed to the Seventh Fleet, returning in December, 1961. Commander H. E. PHELPS, U. S. Navy was relieved by Lieutenant Commander J. TALAGO, Jr., U. S. Navy during WESTPAC operations. RATON materially contributed to the Navy's pulic relations effort by participating in Santa Catalina Island's Spring Festival in May 1962. The remainder of 1962 was spent performing local operations in the San Diego area, providing services for air, surface and sub-surface forces. In January 1963, RATON departed for a six month tour with COMSEVENTHFLT in WESTPAC. During deployment RATON participated in two major ASW exercises conducted by COMSEVENTHFLT and SEATO Forces. Local operations were resumed upon return to San Diego in June 1963. In addition RATON contributed significantly to several research and development projects conducted by OPDEVFORPAC. In August 1963, Commander J. TALAGO, Jr., U. S. Navy was relieved by Lieutenant Commander W. D. BOURNE, U. S. Navy as Commanding Officer. RATON entered the San Francisco Naval Shipyard in November 1963 for a major overhaul which was completed March 1964 two weeks ahead of schedule. Upon completion of overhaul RATON returned to San Diego to resume local operations which consisted of participation in several research and development projects. In July 1964, RATON again deployed for a six month tour in the Western Pacific, returning to San Diego just before Christmas. While in the Orient, RATON had the opportunity to operate with the naval forces of Thailand, Phillippines, Korea and Republic of China under the Military Assistance Program. In January 1965, RATON resumed local operations out of San Diego until May when RATON entered the San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard, Hunter's Point Division for a six week period to receive a new battery. Upon completion of the battery renewal RATON returned to San Diego to resume local operations. In August 1965, Lieutenant Commander W. D BOURNE, U. S. Navy was relieved by Lieutenant Commander D. N. THOMAS, U. S. Navy as Commanding Officer. In April 1966, RATON departed for WESTPA operations. While deployed in the Western Pacific, she exercised with SEATO countries in Exercise Sea-Imp. In October, RATON returned to continue local operations. In 1967 Lieutenenat Commander Martin Ruch Jr, U. S. Navy relieved Lieutenant Commander D. N. Thomas, U. S. Navy as Commanding Officer. LCDR Ruch was the last known Commanding Officer of the Raton. |
|
