Allen B. Odette Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Allen B. Odette
Association
USS Growler (SSG-577)
DateSeptember 14, 2016
PeriodCold War; Museum Era
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Allen Odette. OHP.111
Object numberOHP.111
DescriptionAllen Odette served aboard the submarine USS Growler (SSG-577) from August 1961 to December 1963, as a fire control technician (missile guidance systems) second class. The Intrepid Museum recorded his oral history interview on September 14, 2016. See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Odette began his interview by speaking about his decision to join the U.S. Navy. He noted that he first went into the reserves in Illinois before joining the regular Navy after moving to California. He also discussed his experiences in boot camp as well as his decision to apply for the submarine service after receiving a tour of a submarine from a friend of a friend. Odette then provided insight into the physical and psychological screenings that submarine recruits went through in order to serve on board submarines.
Odette also discussed Growler’s role in the Cold War, noting the necessity of remaining in missile range of the Soviet base at Petropavlovsk. He then described the Regulus missile and the process of practice firing the missile, as well as other day-to-day duties such as standing electronic countermeasure (ECM) watches, interpreting radar signals, and operating the SINS, a navigation system. He also mentioned extraordinary happenings, such as surfacing with a Soviet cruiser “very close to us, within hundreds of yards” and sneaking out of the area.
Odette also described how the crew staved off boredom by playing games such as cribbage, sleeping, watching movies, or in his case, drawing maps. He then shared stories about discipline and having a captain’s mast, diving off of the sail, and playing pranks such as keeping a gooney bird in one of the showers.
Odette ended his interview by reflecting upon his service, noting how his view of nuclear weapons has changed over the years, and stating that his service aboard Growler led to a lifelong bond with the crew.
Extent: 8 video files, 25 page transcript
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