USS Picuda, 1954

Picuda (SS–382), originally named Obispo , was laid down by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N.H., 15 March 1943; launched 12 July 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Robert H. English; and commissioned 16 October 1943, Lt. Comdr. Albert Raborn in command.

Picuda was assigned to the New London Group of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet until late in the year 1952 when she was towed to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for snorkel conversion. She recommissioned 19 June 1953, Lt. Comdr. Ted N. Swain in command. Her conversion was complete by 24 August and she shifted to the Submarine Base at New London. She reported for duty to Submarine Division 122, Squadron 12, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. She was assigned to duty as a training ship for Submarine Refit Training Group and based her operations for that command at Key West through September 1959. This duty included almost daily exercises in the Key West operating area, visits to Gulf ports of the United States, and periodic training cruises to the waters of Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti. This service was intervened by special cruises from Key West and two tours of duty in the Mediterranean. On her first special cruise she operated off Norfolk, 24 April–20 May 1954, participating in anti-submarine development exercises.

Picuda received six battle stars for World War II service.

[Taken from the entry on Picuda in the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.]