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USS Razorback SS-394 |
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In 1970 following 26 years serving the US
Navy, USS Razorback was transferred to the Turkish navy, her new name
being Murat Reis. For another 31 years she faithfully served in
the Turkish Navy, finally being decommissioned late in 1991.
Len Schutt (ex-Ronquil) is now a member of
USSVI Seattle Base but he was not yet a member when he walked
into Seattle Base Vice Cdr. Bob Opple's office at NC Machinery this
spring, noted the portrait of Razorback behind Bob's desk and told Bob
he had been on Razorback/Murat Reis a couple of months previously.
Bob wondered out loud if the Turks might
sell her and Len said he knew a couple of retired Turkish officers
that might be able to help...
Bob contacted Razorback Base in Arkansas
and asked, "Ya wanna get a submarine?" One thing
led to another and after a lot of behind the scenes work by a great
number of committed Subvets and Arkansas politicians, the Mayor of
North Little Rock flew to Turkey and 'got the keys' to the Murat Reis.
The "Save The Razorback"
committee and the Mayor certainly owe Leonard, Bob and the retired
Turkish Captains a debt of gratitude as Razorback would not be
coming home were it not for their gestational participation in the
process.
Bob especially deserves great credit for
grasping the opportunity presented and making things happen that
ultimately led to the acquisition of Razorback. There are many
others that also have made important contributions to the success,
but nothing would have ever happened were it not for the initial
actions of the above mentioned gentlemen.
I'm sure I speak for all Subvets when I
say, BZ shipmates! You guys really did us proud!
- Pat Householder, Cdr., Seattle Base [click on the photos to see them in full size] |
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 Murat Reis tied up at Golcuk Sub Base in Turkey |
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 Conning tower |
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