1948

A new captain, a new patch, and a missile explodes on deck during a launch

In 1948, the Cusk was redesignated from SS-348 to SSG-348 to reflect her new missile launching capability.  She continued launching missiles and testing her missile guidance systems, and was joined in the fleet by two other missile submarines, the USS Tunny (SSG-282 ) and the USS Carbonero (SSG-337).  On July 7,1948 during what should have been a routine launch of a Loon, the missile exploded while still on the launch ramp and set fire to the Cusk.  As the smoke cleared, the Cusk was seen going under and witnesses thought that she had been sunk by the explosion.  Fortunately, Captain Fred Clarke had ordered the Cusk to dive when the explosion occurred which doused the flames and saved the boat and her crew.  Pictures below show various stages of the explosion including the smoky aftermath.

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Click here to see the Cusk crewlist from 1948

Early publicity photo of the world's first missile submarine	Squadron Five Commander speaks at Captain Fred Clarke's change of command ceremony	Cusk sailor getting an award at the Change of Command ceremonies	The new captain, CDR Fred B Clarke inspects his crew
Offshore near Pt. Mugu, California, all systems go and ready for another launch	First Missile Patch - 1948 Note how the new patch combined the original ship's patch with the Loon Missile. (Photo courtesy of Tom Roseland)	The Cusk is redesignated SSG-348 in 1948 for her missile capabilities.  A new ship's patch is created which was later modified to add the "SSG" in place of the "SS". (Photo courtesy of Tom Roseland)	T-0, the Pulse Jet Engine is running and the jet pack is ignited for launch
Missile Explosion - The jet pack explodes destroying the missile and part of the launch assembly	Missile Explosion - the missile can be seen tumbling aft toward the stern	Aftermath of the Explosion - It was thought that the Cusk had been sunk, but the quick thinking Captain Clarke had submerged the Cusk to put out the fire.	Aftermath of the Explosion - It was thought immediately that the Cusk had been sunk by the explosion.  However, but the quick thinking Captain Clarke had submerged the Cusk to put out the fire.

Crewmembers who served aboard the Cusk in 1948:

If you have any information, pictures, history, or crewmember names/information from the Cusk in 1948 (or any year), please contact the Cusk Webmaster.  Thanks!