Mel Arnold, TM2(SS)

1964 - 2003

DOB: 20 Nov 1944
Service Dates: 5/62-10/65
Boats Served On:
USS Remora (SS-487)
USS Volador (SS-490)

THE DAY THE REMORA RAN UP ON ANOTHER BOAT: I was on the sound powered phones at the after capstan as were getting underway, Lt. Gilligan had the conn on the bridge and we were outboard another boat, starboard side to. Lt. Gilligan started a twist to get away from the other boat but the stern was twisting the wrong way, towards the other boat. I could see we were getting close but the props were still turning. As soon as the starboard prop hit the other boat I yelled "All Stop" on the phones but the prop kept turning making sickening sounds. We tore up a nearly new "prairie masker" screw and only dented the screw guard on the other boat.

I was interviewed by the investigators also. They asked if I yelled "all stop" and why I did it. I said it was because nobody else did.

I recall that someone asked Lt. Gilligan how he ever got in the navy. He said it was because his family had a lot of money.

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PREPARE TO EMERGENCY VENTILATE: We weren't snorkeling, we were doing an emergency ventilation drill so the high vacuum safety circuits were off. I thought that Faildo was the throttleman and he went down early and couldn't shut the engine down. The engine kept running, sucking all the air out of the back of the boat until the blower seized, the engine ran out of air and quit. People in the ATR were dropping like flies. I don't know why I didn't go down with everyone else but I opened both torpedo charging valves full blast until we equalized. We opened the ATR hatch and went topside to get a little air.

I was told that they wanted to recommend me for a medal but they would have had to admit that they screwed up causing the crisis in the first place. I was given the commendation while at sea with no witnesses other than the crew.