John Fakan News

Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC), Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny announced today that a sunken vessel off the coast of the Aleutian Islands is in fact the World War II submarine USS Grunion (SS 216). "I am honored to announce that, with records and information provided by the Abele family and assistance from the , USS Grunion has been located," said McAneny. "We are very grateful to the family of Grunion's Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. Mannert L. Abele for providing the underwater video footage and pictures that allowed us to make this determination.

the U.S.S. two different nations. controlled waters in the final weeks of World War II. prevent its capture by the Japanese. will play the role of the Dutch submarine captain. the Japanese until the COD arrived to save them," said Dr. president of the COD Memorial. should go much easier than the 1945 rescue. recovery of the O-19 crew so dangerous in 1945," he said. The Dutch sub ran aground on Ladd Reef in the early hours of July 8. The COD arrived early on July 9 to attempt to pull the Allied sub free. transfer the Dutch crew to the COD and destroy the O-19. three-day voyage to Manila Harbor. appreciation party the next night," said Fakan. that news of the Japanese surrender was broadcast. suddenly realized they were going to survive the war.