Blenny
 
June 4, 1999
 
If I have my dates correct, the Blenny was sent to her final resting place on June 7, 1989. In three days, the 10th anniversary of her interment will be reached. The stories I have read about the Blenny have made a lasting impression on me, so much so that I wanted to do something to commemorate her services to our country. When I say "her services" I really mean the ship and crew(s) who served on her. Following is my contribution to a commemoration of the Blenny.
 
Bob Harrison MoMM/2c USN WWII
 
USS BLENNY SS324
You wanna hear a story, son? Well, I can tell you gosh aplenty,
But the one I like the most of all is the one about the Blenny.
Blenny was a submarine; she was launched in forty-four,
And it didn’t take ol’ Blenny long to get herself into the war.
 
From Groton to Pearl Harbor, then on her very first patrol
Twas then she learned some valued lessons, (a destroyer was her goal).
Torpedos fired but missed their target-what a lesson for the crew,
Then depth charges by the numbers-this was Lesson Number Two!!
 
With determination showing in the hearts of every man,
Blenny found and sank a sea truck and a Japanese tin can.
Next she sank a Japanese troopship, Kenzui Maru was her name,
Followed by Amato Maru-a tanker lost in smoke and flame.
 
Then one day there came a message from the submarine named Cod,
She needed help to find some sailors-whereabouts known but to God.
Found and rescued by the Blenny, six young sailors safe and sound,
Then a reunion with the Cod, all giving thanks that they were found.
 
So at last the war was ended but Blenny’s tasks had just begun,
She did her part in War Korea, a sub’s job is never done.
Faithful comrade, gallant warrior, once proud boat, ship of the line,
After years of loyal service, she retired in Sixty -Nine.
 
June 7, 1989
 
Today they buried gallant Blenny, sent her deep beneath the sea,
While her shipmates looked on sadly, brave defenders of the free.
Now she lies in gloomy silence just twelve miles off Maryland’s shore,
Noble Blenny, not forgotten, though you’ll roam the seas no more.