Robert L. Owens Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Robert L. Owens
Association
USS Growler (SSG-577)
DateOctober 1, 2014
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Robert L. Owens. OHP.059
Object numberOHP.059
DescriptionRobert L. Owens served aboard the submarine USS Growler (SSG-577), first as executive officer, then as commanding officer, from February 1960 to December 13, 1963. The Intrepid Museum recorded his oral history interview on October 1, 2014. The Museum recorded a subsequent interview with him in 2017 (OHP.126).See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Owens began his interview by stating that he was born and raised in California. He then discussed his naval service during World War II. He also noted that, after boot camp and electrical school, he rode the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) from Alameda to Pearl Harbor, where he served aboard the submarine tender USS Bushnell (AS-15). Owens then stated that he went aboard the submarine USS Tinosa (SS-283) and made seven war patrols. After discussing his time on Tinosa, he explained that he left the service after the war had ended and earned a degree in geology from Fresno State College. He then recounted how he returned to the Navy in the naval reserves and was ordered to Regulus missile school.
As the interview transitioned to the topic of the Regulus missile, Owens noted that he was sent to a guided missile unit in Port Hueneme, California, where he not only worked with the Regulus missile, but also applied for a selection process that allowed him to switch from the reserves to regular Navy. He then explained that he became the missile officer for this unit, which was responsible for preparing the missiles launched from Point Mugu Naval Air Station. The unit helped develop the Regulus Missile and train missile technicians.
Owens explained that his next assignment was to USS Grayback (SSG-574), which was under construction, so he oversaw the installation of missile equipment and launching equipment. He was the only officer present and therefore also oversaw engine tests and battery installation. He then explained that he served as the navigator for Grayback’s first patrol before being assigned to SUBPAC and eventually Growler, as a prospective executive officer.
The interview then focused on Growler, and Owens discussed his duties as the executive officer and the commanding officer. He also explained the entire process for launching the Regulus missile, from receiving the message that ordered the launch to the launch itself. Owens then spoke about the boat’s Cold War mission, and how he, and the crew, felt about their mission. Owens noted social interactions among the crew, specifically the parties that were thrown to celebrate officers who had recently earned their dolphins, and family life, particularly the lives of Navy wives.
As the interview continued, Owens outlined the rest of his naval career, which included: returning to COMSUBPAC Staff as the Polaris targeting officer; commanding the fast attack submarine USS Sea Leopard; joining CINCLANT as part of the team that would send the go-message to the Polaris submarines; serving as the assistant chief of staff for plans and operations for SubFlot 6; working in the Pentagon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he was the submarine officer attached to the Chairman’s SALT negotiation team; and serving as the 688 project officer.
Owens then stated that after his time in Navy, he returned to Sanger, California, where he ran his family’s plumbing business. The interview also briefly returned to Growler, as Owens addressed three other topics: taking aboard a glass float from a fishing net, removing a problematic torpedo from Growler, and explaining where the target locations for the missiles were kept. The interview then ended with Owens stating what he hopes visitors will take away from seeing Growler and what advice he would give to anyone considering the submarine service.
Extent: 7 media files, 25 page transcript
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