Newly assigned to Perch ASSP 313 in 1951 as an auxilliaryman and prior to going to the engine room, I was greasing the boat top-side as the engines were warming alongside the tender Sperry in San Diego just prior to our departure on one of our patrols to Siberia.

I opened the forward torpedo room hatch to apply the grease gun to the fittings when I discovered that someone had placed pennies completely around the hatch, preventing a seal. I called for the duty officer (Lt. Schoener, I believe) and a photographer from Sperry was called. (I wish I had the photos). 

Shortly, a shipmate was brought top-side in hand-cuffs and taken off. We pushed off for Siberia. He apparently just didn't want to go! We could have all died on our first trim drive!

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