Forty-two officers and crew members of the USS Blenny (SS-324), including her war time skipper, Captain William Hazzard, traveled to Ocean City, MD from all over the country to witness the last dive of their “Sub” on June 7, 1989: she will continue to serve mankind as a reef. The occasion was also an opportunity to renew old friendships and relive memories of experiences shared some forty-five years ago. The Blenny was towed fifteen miles out to sea accompanied by us in chartered boats where she made her last plunge beneath the Atlantic waves. After thousands of successful dives, the gallant lady submerged for the last time, never to surface again. She settled into the sea slowly and proudly, with hardly a dry eye looking on. As a TV commentator said, “It took a Navy Demolition Team to do what the enemy and angry seas could never do: sink the Blenny” Rest in Peace. A most heartfelt thank-you to all the wonderful people of Ocean City and the State of Maryland who gave us the opportunity to experience this nostalgic moment.

You wanna hear a story, son? Well, I can tell you gosh aplenty,
But the one I like the most of all is the one about the Blenny.
Blenny was a submarine; she was launched in forty-four,
And it didn't take ol' Blenny long to get herself into the war.

From Groton to Pearl Harbor, then on her very first patrol
Twas then she learned some valued lessons, (a destroyer was her goal).
Torpedos fired but missed their target-what a lesson for the crew,
Then depth charges by the numbers-this was Lesson Number Two!!

With determination showing in the hearts of every man,
Blenny found and sank a sea truck and a Japanese tin can.
Next she sank a Japanese troopship, Kenzui Maru was her name,
Followed by Amato Maru-a tanker lost in smoke and flame.

Then one day there came a message from the submarine named Cod,
She needed help to find some sailors-whereabouts known but to God.
Found and rescued by the Blenny, six young sailors safe and sound,
Then a reunion with the Cod, all giving thanks that they were found.

So at last the war was ended but Blenny's tasks had just begun,
She did her part in War Korea, a sub's job is never done.
Faithful comrade, gallant warrior, once proud boat, ship of the line,
After years of loyal service, she retired in Sixty -Nine.

June 7, 1989
Today they buried gallant Blenny, sent her deep beneath the sea,
While her shipmates looked on sadly, brave defenders of the free.
Now she lies in gloomy silence just twelve miles off Maryland's shore,
Noble Blenny, not forgotten, though you'll roam the seas no more.

Bob Harrison
June 4, 1999